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Tag: Oyo state

  • Man dies trying to rescue goat from well in Oyo community

    Man dies trying to rescue goat from well in Oyo community

    A 45-year-old man has lost his life while rescuing a goat which fell into a well in Mokola, Saki,  Saki West Local Government Area, Oyo State.

    Also, the body of 30-year-old, Shina Adedeji was recovered from another well in Aaje Ikose, Ogbomosho.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to the governor on Fire Reforms/Chairman, state Fire Service, Moroof Akinwande, said the men had died before the arrival of the men of the State Fire Services.

    Akinwande said: “On February 3 at 9:45hrs, we were summoned to a rescue by a running caller and CFM Adeleke at Aje Ikose area, Ogbomoso.

    “The firemen led by CFM Oladejo left for the scene. On getting there, it was discovered that a man of about 30 years old, named Shina Adedeji fell into a well and was recovered by the officers of the agency.

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    “The casualty got himself trapped into a well containing ammonia gas when he was trying to recover a fetcher from it,” he stressed.

    The chairman warned the public to prioritise their safety in their everyday activities as life has no duplicate.

    He added that, Saki Command of the agency also recovered a 45-year old man in a deep well at Mokola Area of Saki.

    Akinwande said, “The agency received the distress call on Monday at exactly 22:23hrs at the fire station through the running caller and Yusuf Ismail when somebody fell into a well at Mokola Area of Saki.

    “Fire officers led by PFS II Kolade Taiwo promptly mobilised and responded to the scene of the incident.

    “Upon arrival, it was a man of about 45 years of age trapped inside a deep well. Our officers quickly swung into action and secured with necessary nuts and the operation was carried out and the man was recovered from the well.

    “The incident occurred when the man willingly entered the well with the aim of rescuing a goat of which he was trapped.”

  • Firm secures massive land for Nigeria’s first snow city park in Ibadan

    Firm secures massive land for Nigeria’s first snow city park in Ibadan

    Rest Realty has finalised the acquisition and signing of a landmark land deal covering one million square metres, paving the way for the development of Nigeria’s first Snow City Park.

    The project, which will be located in Ibadan, Oyo State, is expected to establish a pioneering tourism and lifestyle city in the country.

    The Snow City Park is designed to serve as a major tourism destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors while reshaping leisure, entertainment, and urban development in Nigeria. Rest Realty disclosed that the project is projected to attract at least one million tourists annually, positioning Ibadan as an emerging destination on Africa’s tourism landscape.

    Speaking on the vision driving the initiative, the Founder of Rest Realty, Stephen Akorede, said the project is aimed at redefining traditional real estate development in Nigeria.

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    Akorede noted that his more than four-year residency in Dubai exposed him to innovative urban planning, strategic infrastructure development, and global best practices, which influenced his perspective on how deliberate and visionary projects can transform cities and communities.

    “This land acquisition is our first step into what will become a multi-billion-naira development. We are stepping forward to do what many believe is impossible, because meaningful development requires courage, innovation, and a clear vision,” Akorede said.

    He added that beyond the Snow City Park itself, the proposed city will feature a comprehensive mix of residential and commercial infrastructure. Plans include residential homes for over 1,000 residents, office spaces, schools, a massive central park, investor lounges, a dedicated tech founders’ lounge, and a structured residents’ identification system designed to enhance security and efficient city management.

    He assured investors of the project’s strong economic prospects, noting that its design and tourism-driven model are expected to deliver substantial value.

    Projections, according to the company, indicate the potential for significant investment growth within 24 months of development milestones.

  • Makinde’s wife donates stationery to students in Oyo

    Makinde’s wife donates stationery to students in Oyo

    Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, has donated writing materials to public schools across the state as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo state.

    She described education as greatest legacy that can be passed on to future generations.

    Mrs Makinde said the initiative was deliberately designed to place children at the centre of the Oyo@50 celebrations.

    She stated that the growth and stability of the state depend largely on quality of education given to its young population.

    According to her: “Our children are the future of Oyo State. The state belongs to you, and if you work hard, you will inherit it and take it forward.”

    She thanked teachers and members of the Oyo@50 Anniversary Planning Committee for making the programme possible.

    According to her, education remained the most effective tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

    “Education is the greatest legacy we, as a government and as parents, can give to our children. When you are educated, you can lift yourself out of poverty, defend your family with a strong voice and make informed decisions for yourself and for the future of Oyo State.”

    Mrs Makinde urged beneficiaries of the stationeries to make proper use of it, calling on them to cultivate strong reading habits and remain focused on their academic pursuits.

    “As you receive these materials today, do not forget to enrich your brain. Read your books, make the best use of this stationery and continue to work hard. Your education is important for the growth and development of Oyo State.”

    Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the state’s future, noting that access to basic learning materials plays a critical role in improving educational outcomes.

    “This programme reflects the commitment of the Oyo State Government to strengthening public education. By supporting our students with learning materials, we are laying a solid foundation for academic excellence and ensuring that no child is left behind.”

    He commended teachers for their dedication and urged students to remain disciplined and committed to their studies.

  • PDP BoT, caretaker factional chairman moves to end crisis

    PDP BoT, caretaker factional chairman moves to end crisis

    …holds NEC meeting in Abuja

    Following the outcome of a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday, which nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in the city between15 and 16 November, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified moves to overcome its internal crisis.

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Caretaker Committee reaffirmed commitment to unity, respect for court rulings and preparations for outstanding congresses ahead of a national convention.

    BOT chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who spoke on Monday at the 85th meeting of the PDP BoT in Abuja urged party members to embrace peace and put collective interest above personal ambition.

    Ohuabunwa said the PDP had weathered months of turbulence marked by leadership disputes and legal battles, but survived due to its strong institutions and adherence to constitutional order.

    According to him, the delay in conducting party congresses was a deliberate and cautious decision taken out of respect for pending judicial processes, not an abdication of responsibility.

    He said, “The PDP chose legality over expediency and patience over provocation. History would judge the party kindly for upholding the rule of law.”

    The Bot chairman hailed the judicial pronouncements, particularly the Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman-led National Caretaker Committee, and called on party members to respect the judiciary and comply with lawful decisions.

    Ohuabunwa warned against divisive rhetoric and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, stressing that the moral authority of the BoT lies in fairness, balance and due process.

    “With the legal fog lifting, the focus must now shift to reconciliation, rebuilding trust and laying the groundwork for orderly congresses and a credible national convention,” he said, noting that unity was a strategic imperative for the survival of the party.

    In his remarks, National Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, thanked members of the BoT for their steadfast support, describing it as crucial to the stability of the party at a defining moment.

    Mohammed also expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for standing by the Caretaker Committee, saying the support had strengthened its resolve to reposition the party.

    He said the Christmas and New Year holidays were over and that it was time for decisive action to deliver on the mandate given to the Caretaker Committee to put the PDP back on track.

    The caretaker chairman confirmed that the Ibadan High Court had delivered a declaratory judgment in favour of the committee, stressing that the law was clear and that justice would continue to be pursued for the party.

    Read Also: Zamfara former council chairman dump PDP to APC

    “Any moment from now, we shall roll out a timetable for activities relating to outstanding congresses in some states, which will usher in a seamless national convention,” he disclosed.

    Mohammed described the PDP as the only political party built around the people, with nationwide structures, coherence and verifiable legacies, warning that the party could not afford to “sleep in our hands.”

    He also commended party stakeholders across the country for their unwavering support during what he described as defining times for the opposition party.

    Both leaders expressed optimism that ongoing engagements, reconciliation efforts and planned congresses would reposition the PDP as a strong and credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    The party members are currently in a closed door National Executive Council (NEC) meeting with a large turnout of members across the country.   

  • Oyo approves early closure of govt offices for 50th anniversary celebrations

    Oyo approves early closure of govt offices for 50th anniversary celebrations

    The Oyo State Government has approved the early closure of offices across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to allow public servants participate fully in activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

    The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, on Monday.

    According to the statement, all state government offices are to close by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

    The approval, granted by Governor Seyi Makinde, is part of preparations for the golden jubilee celebration, tagged Oyo@50.

    Heads of MDAs were directed to ensure strict compliance with the directive while making provisions for skeletal services in essential areas where necessary.

    Babatunde urged that the directive be given wide publicity to ensure awareness and compliance across the state.

  • Eternal vigilance, please

    Eternal vigilance, please

    •Interception of incendiaries in Ibadan is wake-up call to communal alertness

    Police operatives in Oyo State, early this week, said they intercepted a truck conveying materials suspected to be explosives in the Sango area of Ibadan.

    Spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said in a statement that the truck was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation following an intelligence tip-off. The search, he explained, yielded 42 suspected explosive materials that were seized and the truck driver taken into custody.

    According to the police public relations officer, the state police commissioner, Femi Haruna, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The CP directed that specialised personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit of the police be deployed to secure the items and conduct forensic examination.

    Olayinka said detailed forensic analysis was ongoing to determine the exact nature of the materials and their intended use. He assured the public that there was no cause for panic, adding that further updates would be provided as investigation progresses.

    It is commendable that the police were able to intercept the suspected materials, especially as it is yet unclear where the materials originated from and where they were headed. Still, that the truck driver got his hazardous cargo as far as Sango area indicates he succeeded in hauling the items over a long distance within the metropolis without security alarm.

    It can’t be foreclosed that the suspected explosives might be meant for business-related operations like quarrying, and not necessarily intended for terrorism purposes like bomb-making. But materials of this kind ideally ought to be licensed, and their conveyance subject to strict safety protocols. Such items, ideally, should be accompanied with authentic end-user certificates and government-approved prescriptions for handling and storage. Surreptitious conveyance, by itself, raises a red flag and hints at dubious motives for acquisition and intended deployment.

    The January 16, 2024, deadly blast in Bodija neighbourhood of the Oyo State capital is still too fresh in memory. That blast, which was reported to have originated from a building located on Aderinola Street in the highbrow estate, claimed five lives and left nearly 80 others injured and scores of houses, vehicles as well as other items of property wrecked. Few days after the explosion, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed findings that the blast was caused by explosives stored in a residential apartment by illegal miners.

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    Two years on, it is doubtful that outstanding material compensation is fully paid by the state government. And that is not mentioning the irreparable loss through fatalities of the incident and lingering medical challenges of survivors such as post-traumatic stress issues.       

    Bodija is an elitist neighbourhood of Ibadan with prevalent inclination among residents to privacy. That, perhaps, was why no alarm was triggered over explosive materials being stored in one of the residential apartments. But when the January 2024 blast occurred, it shattered the serenity of the neighbourhood and disoriented most residents.

    According to reports, the casualties were either first responders to a fire outbreak caused by an electrical surge that first hit the building where explosives were stored, or passersby too close to the site. Such is the evil that mishandled explosive materials can do, even when not deployed to terrorism usage.

    Security is a communal task, not the exclusive preserve of security operatives. It is important that every member of society stays alert, and ‘when you see something, say something’ as they admonish. After all, an age-old maxim instructs that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

    We hope that the report of interception of suspected explosive materials in Ibadan will not just be a hype, but that police authorities will follow through and soonest update the public on their findings. Meanwhile, public education on collectivity of security alertness must intensify until Nigeria becomes communally policed.

  • 2,000 young entrepreneurs to benefit from industrial, skills programme in Ibadan

    2,000 young entrepreneurs to benefit from industrial, skills programme in Ibadan

    No fewer than 2,000 young Nigerian entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from a large-scale industrial and skills development programme scheduled to hold at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State, from March 17 to 21, 2026.

    The initiative comes as stakeholders intensify efforts to revive local manufacturing and stem youth migration by equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills.

    The weeklong programme, which will attract over 5,000 participants from across the country, is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical production, leadership and regulatory skills required to build sustainable businesses and strengthen the nation’s industrial base.

    Organisers said the initiative is aimed at redirecting youth energy from consumption-driven ventures to local production and value creation.

    The programme received a boost with the sponsorship of the registration fees of 2,000 participants by WellaFitta Resources Limited, a move expected to widen access for young entrepreneurs who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints.

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    A representative of the company, Pharm. (Mrs.) Jooda, said the intervention aligns with efforts to promote productive youth engagement and deepen local manufacturing capacity, particularly within Nigeria’s healthcare and allied sectors.

    Industry leaders and business experts expected at the event include Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency; Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc; Abimbola Balogun, Co-founder and Executive Director of So Fresh; and Taofik Odukoya, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmacy Limited.

    Others are Abimbola Adebakin of Advantage Health Africa, Yinka Afonja of ACE Mall, Gbenga Adesina, and Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, FPSN, the project lead and chief convener.

    Ajibade, who also leads GleanForte Academy Limited, said the initiative complements government efforts to diversify the economy and increase youth participation in the productive sector.

    He noted that while Nigerian youths have gained international recognition in information technology and entertainment, manufacturing and industrial production remain critical for long-term economic stability.

    According to him, gaps in entrepreneurial confidence and practical business skills have contributed to poor decision-making among many young people, including the growing preference for migration.

    He added that the programme is structured to trigger a shift in mindset, encouraging participants to see opportunities in local production rather than dependence on imported goods.

    A major feature of the event will be an industrial exhibition showcasing over 2,000 locally manufactured products, including household items, beauty and wellness products, renewable energy solutions and indigenous crafts.

     Organisers said the exhibition will provide market visibility for local producers and create opportunities for direct engagement with industry players and consumers.

    Participants will also undergo specialised clinics on regulatory compliance, including product registration processes with relevant agencies, a key requirement for meeting international standards and accessing export markets.

    Organisers said logistics and security arrangements have been finalised ahead of the event, with participants and exhibitors expected from all parts of the country. Registration and exhibition bookings are ongoing.

  • Oyo at 50 celebrations begin today

    Oyo at 50 celebrations begin today

    Activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State’s creation will begin today.

    The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, according to the 50 Anniversary Committee Chairman, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi.

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is expected to deliver a welcome address at the ceremony, which will feature drum performance, documentary presentation on the state, goodwill messages and a poetry session.

    Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976 by the General Murtala Muhammed administration.

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    The anniversary event will continue on Tuesday with ceremonies across the 33 local government areas of the state with a medical outreach programme and an open air film show.

    The committee stated that while the medical outreach will take place across the state, the film show, which will be anchored by Kunle Afolayan, will take place at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan; Oyo Town Hall, Oyo; Ogbomoso Township Stadium, Ogbomoso: Eruwa Grammar School, Eruwa; Saki Town Hall and Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin.

     The notice of events also stated that there will be a Carnival/Local Government Parade on Wednesday, January 28, from the historic Mapo Hall to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, with residents dressed in “Oyo at 50” ankara materials.

    There will also be a march past at the stadium, with the governor expected to address the carnival procession.

    Other activities include the Oyo at 50 dymposium, with Prof. Olu Ajakaiye as the lead discussant, on Thursday, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, as well as an exhibition of Arts and Artefacts at the same venue and a fashion runway/miming.

    Other major highlights of the event include a Golf Tee-off on Friday, a Concert/Youth Gathering on Saturday and presentation of educational materials on Monday.

    The closing ceremony of the anniversary will take place on Tuesday, February 3, with a cocktail, an airshow and an award dinner, where former Governors of the state will be honoured as well as outstanding Oyo State indigenes and residents, who will be given merit awards and inducted into the Oyo State Hall of Fame.

    A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the air show will continue on February 4.

  • Oyo narrowing down on criminals’

    Oyo narrowing down on criminals’

    • Commissioner slams cartel collecting percentage to fast-track gratuity payment

    Oyo State has said it is aware of a cartel claiming to be government officials, extorting money from pensioners to fast-track payment of their gratuities.

    Describing the individuals as “unscrupulous elements”, the government, however, assured residents that it was narrowing down on them.

    To arrest the situation, the government said it was paying due diligence to the payment of gratuities to retirees.

    Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the cartel had been operating in the civil service, adding that government was narrowing down on them.

    He confirmed The Nation investigation, saying retired civil and public servants were being asked to pay five to 10 per cent of their gratuities ‘’to the cartels to fast-track payments.’’

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    Oyelade lamented that the malpractice had persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former Governor Lam Adesina.

    He stressed that despite warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fall victims to the schemes, noting those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves.

    Oyelade said: “The attention of the government has been drawn to the allegations that some pensioners in the state are being extorted by unscrupulous elements claiming to be government officials.

    “The state is paying due diligence to the payment of gratuities for its retirees more than the previous administrations.

    “With the new monthly allocation, over 800 retirees will benefit each month, compared to just 250 beneficiaries in previous years.

    “A cartel has been operating in the civil service and government is narrowing down on the criminals.

    “Retired civil and public servants are being asked to pay five per cent to 10 per cent of their gratuities to these cartels to fast-track payments.

    “This malpractice is unfortunately long-standing. The issue has persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former Governor Lam Adesina.

    “Those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves. Despite repeated warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fall victims to these schemes.”

    Some retirees said the state was yet to pay retirees their gratuities from 2014 to 2018.

    Sources said gratuities had been paid to those who retired since beginning of the tenure of this administration (2019 to date).

    Some retirees, however, alleged that only those who could part with between five per cent and 10 per cent of their gratuities had been paid, with  others saying otherwise.

    The Nation gathered that those yet to be paid included doctors, nurses, core civil servants, public servants, teachers, principals, etc.

    The retirees alleged a cartel was operating at the state secretariat fronting for top officers to look for those ready to part with five -10 per cent of their gratuity.

    They, however, laud the governor for paying monthly pension regularly.

    Oyelade said the illegal practice was not limited to state pensions, but also affected local government pensioners.

    Noting government’s efforts to improve pension disbursement, the commissioner recalled that gratuities were not paid between 2011 and 2016 until the arrears were cleared by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    He said the governor increased monthly gratuity by 200 per cent, raising allocations from N1 to N3 billion monthly.

    Oyelade said with the increase in allocation for payment of gratuity, back-door payment was not required for processing of gratuities or entitlements, urging retirees to follow the established system of monthly disbursement and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

    “These illegal practice is not limited to state pensions, but also affect local government staff pensioners.

    “The government is making efforts to improve pension disbursement. Gratuities were not paid between 2011 and 2016 until the arrears were cleared by  Makinde.

    “He has increased monthly gratuity by 200 per cent, raising allocations from N1 to N3 billion monthly; hence, no back-door payment is required for processing of gratuities or entitlements.

    “We urge retirees to follow the established system of monthly disbursement and report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” Oyelade added.

  • INEC Oyo to rotate voter enrolment devices across state registration areas

    INEC Oyo to rotate voter enrolment devices across state registration areas

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State is set to implement a statewide rotational deployment of its Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) across all 351 registration areas.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Adeniran Tella explained that the initiative aims to address accessibility challenges encountered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    Speaking to the press at the INEC Collation Centre on Wednesday, Prof. Tella said a 50-day rotational schedule has been designed to ensure enrolment services reach every part of the state.

    According to The Nation, the first phase of the CVR, which concluded on December 10, 2025, recorded a total of 2,572,054 completed registrations in Oyo State.

    In the second phase, which began on Monday, January 5, 2026, the REC reported that at least 551 individuals had registered within the first three days. He added that the exercise is scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 17, 2026, in line with the approved timeline.

    Professor Tella said, “Having reviewed the challenges and feedback from the initial phase, one message was clear: accessibility remains a key hurdle. To bridge the gap, however, the Commission is implementing a pioneering statewide strategy, which is the rotational movement of the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED) machine across 351 registration areas.

    “For this phase, we shall not adopt a static approach. Instead, our IVED machine will be mobile. The Commission has meticulously designed a 50-day rotational schedule to ensure that our enrolment services reach every corner of the state.

    “The machines will be moved systematically starting from Monday, February 9th, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM daily, excluding weekends and public holidays, across all the 351 registration areas (RAs) in the state.

    “Please note that registration of eligible voters will continue at both the state office and all the 33 local government areas, during the movement of the IVED machines on a rotational basis at the 351 RA in the state.”

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    He explained further that, in addition to the rotational movement of the IVED machines, stakeholders meeting comprising political parties and security personnel, NGOs/CSOs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, market women/men, youths, People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and other relevant stakeholders, would also be organised at both the state and respective LGAs offices across the state.

    He said this will enhance effective dissemination of information, deployment of security men and materials at the agreed venues and dates for each RA.

    He added that the schedule for the movement will be uploaded on the INEC website for easy accessibility by the prospective registrants.

    He reiterated that the objective of the rotational movement is “to bring Voter registration closer to your doorstep, particularly for eligible registrants in remote, rural, and underserved communities that are yet to register or just turned 18years of age.

    “It is also meant for those who have lost their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) or have their PVCs defaced or damaged. Or for those that will like to change their polling units from one ward or State to another.

    “Please note that the CVR exercise is also meant for those who have not yet collected their unclaimed PVCs, to do so at their respective LGAs being registered before, as the Commission still has quite several uncollected PVCs in all the 33 LGA offices across the state.”