Tag: Oyo state

An unidentified okada rider has reportedly died when an overspeeding black Mercedes saloon car rammed into a pharmacy store in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The accident occured around 2pm on Saturday afternoon at Osuntokun junction, opposite Zenith Bank.

The pharmacy store, which the car rammed into was destroyed, while two other vehicles of customers parked in front of the pharmacy were also affected.

An eyewitness said “An over speeding black Mercedes saloon car coming from Osuntokun Avenue, crossed the main Bodija-UI road and went headlong into the pharmacy near Grandex stores, instantly killing an okada rider who was dropping off his passenger at the pharmacy.

“The driver of the Mercedes was severely injured and has been rushed to University College Hospital (UCH).

“The body of the okada rider was retrieved inside the shop and taken to UCH morgue.”

When contacted on phone, the Public Relations Officers of Oyo Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) promised to get back as soon as possible.

To address growing concerns over the influx of bandits and terrorists into the region, the Oyo State Government has announced plans to integrate local government chairmen and traditional rulers into its security framework. 

The government revealed that this initiative would form part of an expanded security network meeting involving key stakeholders across the state. Additionally, efforts are underway to strengthen collaboration with neighbouring states to deny bandits any hiding place and secure the region’s borders. 

The retired CP Fatai Owoseni, special adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, disclosed these measures following a Security Council meeting chaired by the governor.

He emphasized the state’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of its residents. 

Owoseni assured citizens that security agencies were working tirelessly to identify and apprehend criminal elements, using the full force of the law to address the situation. He encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, reiterating the government’s determination to safeguard lives and property. 

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He also expressed confidence in the strengthened synergy among security agencies, stating that such collaboration would leave no room for bandits and other criminal elements to operate in the state.

Owoseni said: “The essence of this is to ensure that we take security to the grassroots. The local government administration is the third tier of government and is the closest to the people. In the same vein, traditional rulers are close to the people and know most people in their domains.

“By integrating them into the security network, we are taking security to the grassroots and carrying everyone along. Security is everybody’s business and we all have a role to play in ensuring that our state is safe from the antics of bandits and other criminal elements.”

He said that the Council also discussed the issue of decongesting correctional centres, adding that the state would invoke its power of prerogative of mercy to set free some of the inmates.

Similarly, the council discussed the issue of the health and well-being of inmates of correctional centres with a recommendation that they should be enrolled in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that they have access to good healthcare.

“A decision on the health insurance scheme for correctional centre inmates would be taken at one of the subsequent Council meetings,” Owoseni said.

The Oyo State Government has directed all media outlets and organizations hosting end-of-year children’s funfairs and other public events to implement stringent safety measures during their programs.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government warned it would take firm action against organizers of any social gathering that could compromise public safety, especially that of children and the elderly, as the year draws to a close.

Oyelade expressed concern over the continued promotion of such events despite the recent tragedy at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where 35 lives—mostly children—were lost, and many others injured.

He urged the public to show solidarity with the grieving families as the state continues to recover from the devastating incident, emphasizing the need for collective mourning and heightened vigilance.

The statement notes that although some organisations have decided to give children a beautiful end of the year funfair, the State Government will not look away from any sight of potential danger such gatherings may present especially to children.

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It mandates all media houses and other children’s funfair organizers in the State to engage relevant security agencies and medical personnel including the State Ministry of Health on concrete arrangement to ensure adequate measures are put in place to prevent the repeat of the black Wednesday. 

“We encourage all event planners to prioritize provision of adequate security personnel on-site, proper crowd control measures, and immediate access to medical assistance.

“As we celebrate yuletide we must also acknowledge the responsibilities that come with hosting such events.

“The tragic incident at Islamic High School which claimed 35 lives is a wake-up call for all of us.

“We must learn from this experience and take necessary steps to ensure that our children can enjoy these programmes in a safe and secured environment”, the Commissioner said

Many children reportedly lost their lives in a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The incident occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, resulting in fatalities and injuries in the early hours of today.

In a statement, the commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the incident and said that the government has swiftly mobilised a rapid response team.

Victims have been transported to various hospitals within Ibadan for medical attention.

Oyelade appreciated the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene.

He assured that the state government will support the victims through this difficult period.

The statement clarified that the state government was not involved in the planning of the event and that the Ministry of Health was not requested to provide any logistics for the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.

It emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

The commissioner indicated that they are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.

The commissioner said Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital and University College Hospital (UCH).

The statement further said that the Oyo State government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary support arranged for the victims.

Oyo State Government has canceled the collection of N4,000 administrative fees for retirees, a move aimed at alleviating financial burdens on civil servants.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola, citing Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to enhancing retirees’ welfare.

Olayiwola added that previously, retirees were required to pay N4,000 to access the retirement form at the Ministry of Establishments and Training. However, with the Governor’s directive, an electronic form has been designed online at no cost to retirees.

He stated that the decision reflects the governor’s efforts to prioritize retirees’s well-being, adding that the the governor increased the gratuity payment to N500million monthly from the N250million been paid previously which has jacked up the number of retirees that receive their gratuity monthly, seamlessly and problem free.

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Olayiwola emphasised that the abolition of the fee is a significant step towards reducing financial stress on retirees as it has also underscored the government’s dedication to streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary costs.

He recalled that recently Oyo state government initiated e-payment of gratuity benefits which is a seamless and secure transaction noting that the developments demonstrate the administration’s focus on promoting retirees’ welfare and well-being.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade appreciated the abolishment of the form as lessening financial bondage on retirees and demonstrating genuine concern for retirees’s welfare.

Son of former Oyo State governor and the lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North South and Oriire Federal Constituency, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, has tipped Ogbomoso as capital of the proposed new Oyo State.

A bill seeking the creation of new Oyo State has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.

The first reading was presented on the floor of the house on February 27.

The bill was sponsored by Alao- Akala,

It seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amendment Bill), 2024, by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule, with the objective of creating two states – Ibadan and Oyo/Ogbomoso.

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According to the son of the ex- governor, “Ibadan State with Ibadan city as capital will have 11 local governments in Ibadan and three in Ibarapa, including Akinyele, Egbeda, Ibadan North, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona Ara, Ido, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North.

The proposed new Oyo State with Ogbomoso as capital will have Ogbomoso, Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo Oluwa, Irepodun, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ori Ire, Olorunsogo, Oorelopo, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South.