Tag: Oyo state

Residents of Itasa community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised alarm over alleged illegal and destructive mining activities by a particular firm (name withheld) and other miners operating in the area.

The community expressed concerns about the potential security risks posed by the illegal mining, warning that it could lead to crises such as terrorism and banditry if left unchecked.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Prof. Bayo Aborisade accused the company of exploiting their land for nearly two decades without fulfilling its legal and social responsibilities. 

He noted that the firm has violated key provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, particularly the mandate to sign a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with host communities before beginning operations.

He said, “We prepared the CDA and requested the Managing Director of Architype Industries Nigeria Limited, Engr. Ajibade, to document his objections so that we can have a negotiated agreement. He refused. Instead, the Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) Officer continues to call us to negotiate at his whim. And we ask: negotiate what?”

He said some government officials has also compromised their positions, enabling illegal mining activities that fuel banditry, kidnapping, and environmental destruction in the community.

“Regrettably, communities are left exposed to lawless investors who traverse the land with police escorts, throw communities into agony, and leave posterity a bleak future of penury and diseases.”

According to him, this disregard for the community’s rights has reportedly caused significant harm to local biodiversity, health, and livelihoods.

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The community claimed that Architype Industries does not possess a valid consent instrument from the Itasa community, a fundamental requirement for any mining operation. 

“They have not conducted an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to beginning mining activities, as mandated by law.”

“This blatant disregard for due process has left our environment vulnerable to severe degradation,” Aborisade stated.

The community, however, highlighted that the company is not operating under a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA), despite repeated requests to sign the CDA that was prepared and delivered to them on December 4, 2024. 

“There has been no geographical survey presented to us, even after we requested to see it, raising serious questions about the sustainability and safety of their mining operations across our land,” the community representative added.

“For twenty years, the community alleges that the company has operated with impunity, facilitated by compromised officials from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, particularly from its Mines Environment Compliance Department at the Southwest Zonal Office in Ibadan.”

The Itasa community called on the federal and state governments, civil society organizations, and the international community to take immediate action. 

They demanded that all mining activities by Architype Industries Nigeria Limited and other companies be halted until all legal requirements are met, including the signing of the Community Development Agreement.

Additionally, they demanded an investigation into the role of government officials in enabling these alleged illegal activities, holding them accountable, and providing support for the Itasa community to restore their environment and livelihoods. 

Also speaking, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Doyin Odebowale decried the level of impunity in the illegal mining sector, calling for decisive action against offenders.

“I have visited Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government, and I can tell you that now is the right time to flush them out for the safety of the community.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Odedele, commended stakeholders for their unwavering support in tackling illegal mining and protecting the environment.

Also present at the event were renowned human rights lawyer, Barr. Femi Aborisde, Chief of Staff at JDPC, Barr. Adenike who reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring environmental justice and protecting Itasa’s residents from the dangers of illegal mining.

Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman, Saki East Local Government, Mr. Adedokun Emmanuel, over allegations ranging from party misconduct, to lack of religious tolerance, inappropriate funds allocation, among others.

The assembly made the declaration during its plenary session yesterday; following a petition received from concerned stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party in Saki East Local Government, seeking accountability on moveable equipment such as bulldozer, the supposed 10 per cent being deducted from the salaries of the political functionaries and others.

The petition said: “We appreciate the gesture of Governor Seyi Makinde for his vision in bringing people from another party to boost membership of our party across the state. But in our own case, the beneficiary of this gesture has come to maim and destroy the party to boost his own faction from the other divide he came from.

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“Moveable equipment such as bulldozer in the local government has been taken away since he assumed office and has not been returned and without remitting any money to the coffers of the local government.

“It is on the aforementioned that we are calling on your support for the saviour of our party in the hands of Adedokun and the lives of our leaders and elders who have suffered enough for the sustenance of the party.”

The house has, however, directed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Rasaq Adeyemi, to take up the mantle of leadership of the local government in acting capacity, while the council secretary will temporarily take the position of vice chairman.

The assembly also directed its Standing Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours to investigate the allegations and report back to it.

The ongoing rehabilitation of Saki-Iseyin Road is progressing well, Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works and Transportation, Prof Shangodoyin Dawud, has said.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, the commissioner explained that the scope of work would only cover the failed portions of the road that are critical and dangerous to users.

He also promised that quality work would be done on the ongoing limited rehabilitation of the 83.82 kilometres Iseyin-Okaka-Saki Road.

The commissioner was reacting to a social media post alleging that the project was marred by poor workmanship.

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Dawud described the claim as unfounded, noting that the project would be delivered to specifications.

He said Governor Seyi Makinde approved a limited rehabilitation of the road, covering, clearing, turnouts, scarification, and removal of unsuitable materials.

Other scope of work includes provision of reinforced concrete retaining wall, supply of sub-base and base course materials and laying of 40mm asphaltic wearing course at the critical locations only.

The statement reads in part: “The Iseyin-Saki Road (83.82km) is a federal road and several rehabilitations had been executed by FERMA but the road became deplorable and nearly impassable.

“The Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, in its determination to provide comfort for the citizens of the state plying the road without minding the fact that the road in question is a Trunk A Road, took the initiative to rehabilitate the road and bring comfort to the road users.

To enhance the capacity of its legislative workers, Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission has begun a two-day training for officers on Grade Levels 3-7.

The workshop, which kicked off yesterday, is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, emphasised the importance of capacity building for legislative workers.

He said the workers played a crucial role in the effective functioning of the legislative service, and it was imperative to invest in their growth and development.

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Ogundoyin, who is also the chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, expressed his vision to fortify the value and capacity of legislative workers across all state legislatures.

He lauded Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission for organising the training, which aligned with the Governor Seyi Makinde administration’s efforts to enhance the capacity and productivity of public servants.

The Chairman of Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Femi Okedoyin, who welcomed participants to the training, stressed the importance of enhancing the skills and knowledge of legislative workers.

The Oyo state government has warned 20 waste management consultants who have failed to fulfill their contractual obligations to properly dispose of refuse across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, issued the warning on Sunday after a meeting with the consultants in Ibadan.

Mogbonjubola emphasised that outsourcing waste collection was aimed at maintaining a clean environment, but expressed disappointment that some consultants had neglected their duties for months, leading to piles of waste littering major streets in Ibadan.

To address these lapses, the state government has initiated a comprehensive review and renewal process for waste management contracts to ensure better service delivery and compliance with environmental regulations.

The review, conducted on Thursday and Friday at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan, aims to assess the consultants’ performance, identify shortcomings, and enhance waste management efficiency across the state.

Mogbonjubola emphasized that the evaluation focuses on key performance indicators, including operational efficiency, financial compliance, regulatory adherence, innovation, sustainability, and transparency.

He clarified that the review is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to ensure that public concerns are addressed and service delivery is optimized.

To oversee the process, he said a mini-committee was set up to conduct a thorough assessment, adding that, “upon completion, the Ministry will decide whether to extend the contract under revised terms or renegotiate it to improve performance.”

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The Commissioner also reiterated the state government’s commitment to modernizing waste management through innovative solutions such as smart waste bins, digital monitoring systems, and expanded recycling initiatives to complement the consultant’s efforts.

“But I must say that I am disappointed on the low performance of the waste contractors because for the last two months waste continued to pile on the roads with nobody coming to evacuate them.

“If things continue this way, we will have no option but to revoke the contracts,” he added.

Mogbonjubola called on residents of the state to be patient, adding that all piles of refuse would soon be cleared.

An Ogbomoso-born politician, Prof. Abdulrahman Afonja, has urged wealthy people in Oyo State to support the government in creating jobs.

He says he believes he is one of the biggest employers of labour in the state.

Afonja, former commissioner for Public Works and Transport in the state, said there was need to prioritise job creation as done by Governor Seyi Makinde.

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Speaking with reporters at a party organised by his employees in Ibadan, the agricultural administrator, who had experience in businesses, academia, engineering, military, government, agriculture and non-profit organisations (NGO) for over 24 years, said he believed his record in employing youths in the state was unrivalled by most private investors.

Afonja has over 1,200 full-time and temporary employees working in his three companies across 10 states in Nigeria, with approximately over 400 working and living in Oyo State.

He urged wealthy individuals in the state and investors to support the government in setting up businesses that would take advantage of huge reserves of resources in parts of the state and contribute to reduction in unemployment rate.