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Tag: Oyo state

  • Boroffice welcomes Oke, others to APC

    Boroffice welcomes Oke, others to APC

    Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District has applauded the return of the former legal adviser of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusola Oke and his supporters to the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Ondo State.

    Oke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN ), and a 2016 governorship candidate of Alliance for Democracy ( AD ), defected to APC on Thursday in Akure with his supporters.

    Boroffice commendation is contained in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr Kayode Fakuyi, on Friday in Akure.

    READ ALSO: I’m a loyal deputy, says Olusola

    “The senator is delighted to note that the laudable efforts of himself and other party leaders to woo politicians from other political parties to join the APC have started yielding positive results.

    “As a matter of fact, the wave of defection is currently blowing across Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos States,” it read.

    The statement added that in the weeks ahead, APC would receive more political gladiators into its fold.

    It urged the defectors to quickly perfect their membership registration in order to join hands with party leaders to build a united and formidable party in the state.

    NAN

  • ‘Take care of NYSC members’, Gov. Ajimobi tells residents

    ‘Take care of NYSC members’, Gov. Ajimobi tells residents

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday urged traditional rulers, local council chairmen and other residents to ensure that National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) members posted to the state are well taken care of.

    Ajimobi made the appeal at the swearing-in of the 2017 Batch B, Stream II corps members in Iseyin, Oyo State.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Abayomi Oke, said that corps members posted to ministries, departments and agencies should not be rejected.

    He said that the corps members should be assigned to challenging responsibilities in their places of primary assignment, to make them nation builders and assets to national development.

    Ajimobi said the scheme is a beacon of hope and reference point, with regard to productive channelling of youthful intelligence, energy and skills for national development.

    He said that the orientation course was primarily aimed at inculcating discipline, hard work and integrity in the Nigerian graduate youths.

    The governor, therefore, advised the members to use the opportunity provided by the orientation to develop positive attitudes that would help them to surpass their predecessors’ achievements.

    Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, said the orientation course was unique, being the first time the state would host more than one state at its permanent orientation camp.

    Anidobi urged the 2,294 corps members to see their deployment  as the basis for national unity, which the scheme had championed since inception 45 years ago.

    She told them to contribute their quota to the unity and advancement of Nigeria in the course of their service year.

    “The government of the day, in her drive to engine the wheel of development, embarked on massive rural transformation.

    “As agents of change, your services will be required in most semi-urban communities, to make this mission a reality.

    “Work assiduously for the development of the country, and assist government to empower rural dwellers with your acquired knowledge and training, by raising the standard of living of the populace,” she said.

    The coordinator advised the corps members to make optimal use of the opportunities provided by the orientation course, such as skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme.

    “Remember that the era of white collar jobs has given way to self-development and empowerment programmes.

    “So, key into the system and strive to be job creators and not job seekers,” she said.

    Anidobi commended the Oyo State Government and the indigenes for their unflinching support to the NYSC scheme, and for being good hosts to the corps members.

    NAN

  • Ajimobi charges governing council of state varsities on value addition

    Ajimobi charges governing council of state varsities on value addition

    Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi has charged members of the newly inaugurated governing council for the six state owned tertiary institutions to come up with creative ideas that would add value and turn around the fortune of the institutions.

    The governor gave the charge at the Executive Chamber of his office while inaugurating the councils, following their appointment which was announced on Tuesday, January 9.

    The six government owned tertiary institutions including, The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, and College of Education, Lanlate have been on indefinite strike since November 2 over issues bothering on salary arrears and reduction of subvention to the institutions to 25 percent.

    Ajimobi urged the new appointees to demonstrate creativity and commitment aimed at adding value that would bring new lease of life to the institutions, saying “our institutions have been bedeviled by lots of challenges which are not from us as a government but the present challenges.

    “We have carefully selected you, having found you to be men and women of proven integrity to add value to our institutions.

    “I know all of you by your professionalism, value and competence. We believe in your ability to reposition the institutions. There is no doubt in my mind that you all are equal to the task and will make a difference”

    Clearing the air on the issue of salary arrears that have led to the closure of the institutions by the workers unions, Ajimobi said government was not responsible for the payment of salaries but has been “magnanimous in giving quarterly subventions to the institutions.”

    He urged the governing councils and management of the institutions to work out survival strategies by diversifying out of the traditional source of revenue.

    “We have employed KPMG Advisory Service to audit the institutions. KPMG in its report has advised that some institutions were unsustainable and some should be close down.

    “I charge you to come forth with ideas that will add value and bring a new lease of life to the institutions. We are hopeful that government could review its reduction in subvention as the economy becomes more buoyant,” he said.

    The governor said that the country today was training clerks and not technological staff or entrepreneurs, saying such was the reason for the establishment of Technical University, Ibadan to make a difference.

    Ajimobi said that the institution has commenced academic activities with much emphasis on technology and entrepreneurship.

    Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic Ibadan, Prof. I.A Adeyemi who spoke on behalf of the newly inaugurated councils appreciated the governor for the careful and meticulous selection assuring that they would not let the governor by putting in their best and more so to prove they were men and women of proven integrity.

    “We hope to build strategic idea to bring solutions to the challenges bedeviling the institutions. I assure you that we have already started the efforts here. We should be able to come up with a strategic plan for each institution that will bring about the desired development and expected difference,” he said.

    The event was attended by members of the state executive council and heads of the various institutions.

  • Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    An Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has fixed February 12  for hearing on a suit filed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, challenging the installation of Oba Saliu Adetunji, as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    Oyediji of Seriki chieftaincy line and three others, were challenging the installation of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    The other claimants in the suit were Chief Olalekan Fakunle, Chief Rasheed Abinupagun and Chief Gabriel Amao.

    Justice Moshood Abass on Wednesday fixed February 12 for hearing of the suit after the claimants’ counsel, Mr Sarafadeen Adebayo informed the court that all processes needed in prosecuting the case had been filed by both parties.

    Abass ordered that hearing notices be served on the counsel to the respondents because they were not present in court on Wednesday.

    The claimants’ counsel, Adebayo, had earlier informed the court that the counsel to Olubadan, Mr Michael Lana and Oyo State Government’s counsel, Mr Adegboyega Salawu were trying to delay the matter.

    He said that the respondents’ counsel were present in court on the last adjourned date of Dec. 15, 2017, where Jan.10 was agreed for  the closing of the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).

    Read Also: You can’t remove me, Olubadan tells obas

    The claimants are claiming that it was the turn of Seriki chieftaincy line to produce the next Olubadan after the death of Oba Samuel Lana, against the appointment of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

    The claimants are also challenging the consistent occupation of the Olubadan throne by the Olubadan chieftaincy line and Balogun chieftaincy lines while excluding the Seriki line.

    It would be recalled that the claimant’s counsel, Adebayo, had told the court that there was a subsisting court ruling restraining the occupation of any vacant position of high chiefs and that of Olubadan.

    The other respondents in the suit were the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Oyo State Government.

    NAN

  • Ajimobi commiserates with Olubadan over wife’s death

    Ajimobi commiserates with Olubadan over wife’s death

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji on the death of his senior wife, Olori Kudirat Adetunji.

    The governor said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Olori died in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 71.

    Ajimobi described the demise of the monarch’s wife as unfortunate and disheartening, saying he received the sad news with shock and disbelief.

    The governor described the incident as a big loss to the Olubadan and entire people of the ancient city.

    “I am greatly saddened by the passing away of Olori Kudirat. It is very unfortunate and disheartening.\

    Read Also: Olubadan loses senior wife

    “We were together with Kabiyesi and the royal retinue at the Chief of Army Staff conference, held in Ibadan last week.

    “Her death is indeed a big loss to our father, the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland.

    ‘‘May the Almighty grant Kabiyesi, children and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ the governor said.

    He enjoined the people of Oyo State to pray for the repose of the deceased’s gentle soul and may Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah Firdaus.

    NAN recalled that Mr Adeola Oloko, the Monarch’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, had earlier on Thursday announced Kudirat’s death.

    Oloko stated that Kudirat, the late Iyaloja of Bolade in Oshodi, Lagos State, would be buried at the Popoyemoja Palace of the Olubadan by 4 p.m.

    NAN also reports that the deceased was survived by her husband, children and grand-children.

  • Interboundary crisis: Oyo, Ogun assure of peaceful settlement

    Interboundary crisis: Oyo, Ogun assure of peaceful settlement

    The hope of amicable resolution of the interstate boundary issues and disputes between Oyo and Ogun state beckons Friday as both states have agreed to abide by whatever decision made by the boundary dispute committee.

    Rising from a meeting which lasted for about ten hours at the Oyo State House of Chiefs, Parliamentary Building, Agodi Secretariat complex, the two states among others, also agreed that the states, affected local government councils and respective traditional institutions will continue to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst the border communities pending the conclusion of actions on the interstate boundaries.

    The states also agreed to facilitate another meeting before the end of the first quarter of 2018 to finalize the demarcation and ownership of the contentious territories.

    The meeting was facilitated by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and presided over by the Director-General, NBC, who was represented by the Director, Internal Boundaries, Surv. Adamu Adaji.

    The Ogun and Oyo states delegation were led respectively by their deputy governors who also double as the Chairmen of each state boundary committees.

    While Ogun state Attorney General and Commissioner for justice, Dr. Olumide Ayeni represented the deputy governor, the Oyo deputy governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo was in attendance. The Surveyor-General of the federation was also represented at the parley by the director, Internal Boundaries in the office of the Surveyor-General, Surveyor M. K Mohammed.

    The two states have been involved in inter-boundary crisis particularly at the Eruwa and Bakatari axis, with the members of the communities engaging in communal clashes.

    In his remark, the Oyo deputy Governor who noted that Oyo and Ogun states are one and same despite the administrative boundary issues regretted that the delayed conclusion of the permanent demarcation of the boundary has generated an unhealthy attention and commotion between the affected border communities. He enjoined the states to maintain the ‘status quo ante’ pending the final determination. He also pledged Oyo state’s support and cooperation with the efforts of National Boundary Commission.

    While speaking, his Ogun State counterpart commended the NBC for the prompt responses to the requests of the two states, pointing out that the boundary issues had lingered on for too long. She appealed to for more efforts in the boundary definition process, calling on the affected communities to promote peace and imbibe the spirit of brotherliness between the two states and pledge her states cooperation to the Commission.

    She also called for attention to the issues that have militated against the acceptance of the boundary in the Bakatari sector and stressed the need for the decisions to be revisited in the true spirit of peace and unity.

    Earlier, the NBC DG in an opening remark noted the need for peace and concord amongst the border communities of the two states, noting that the essence of the meeting was to address the recent complaint and work out a programme of action towards completing the demarcation of the remaining sectors of the boundary. The DG, however, stressed that the boundary in question is the administrative boundary that delimits each of the States and not traditional boundary based on ethnic groupings and appealed for the support of all the stakeholders while expressing the hope that outstanding exercises will be concluded as quickly as possible.

  • Oyo renews commitment to attract more investors

    Oyo renews commitment to attract more investors

    Oyo State Government has renewed its commitment towards sustaining its synergy with the private sector in the provision of enabling environment to further attract local and foreign investors.

    ‘Oyo now more business-friendly’, the state Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, said this at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN ) End-of-the-Year Get Together on Thursday night in Ibadan.

    The commissioner also commended the collaborative effort of the private sector in the state at boosting the economy.

    “Oyo State has become a haven for both local and foreign investors as a result of the massive infrastructure development.

    “Gov. Abiola Ajimobi’s administration in the state has evolved various initiatives and policies in the areas of security, investment promotion and environmental development.

    “All these culminated into influx of investors as well as the sustainable peace and security enjoyed in the state today,’’ she said.

    In another development, Chief Kola Akosile, the Zonal Chairman of MAN, has said that the Nigerian economy is steadily improving as the nation officially exits the recession in the outgoing year.

    Akosile made the statement in an interview in Ibadan.

    “The Nigerian economy has not been too friendly with our operations in the last few years as manufacturers but we thank God things are improving gradually.

    “Officially the country is out of recession and we are gradually feeling the impact. We pray that next year would be much better than the outgoing year,’’ he said.

    Read also: ‘Oyo now more business-friendly’

    Akosile said multiple-taxation was the major challenge facing his members, noting the pressure several agencies on the issue.

    “Several agencies come to disturb our members but we are trying to harmonise. We believe that Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) is good for economic development.

    “It would increase our capacity and government’s revenue. We believe that working closely would avail government the opportunity to achieve their aims.’’

    He also said that the association was evolving a strategy to reduce the members’ over-dependence on the epileptic public power supply, including the establishment of MAN Electricity Company that would enhance their operations.

    The chairman said that the association was also planning to free enough power for household use from confined power, for various industrial clusters in the zone made up of Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.

    “Our members are beginning to have clusters to generate power for themselves without relying too much on government. If we rely too much on government, it won’t get us anywhere,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Army to remain apolitical – Buratai

    Army to remain apolitical – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Thursday assured Nigerians that the army would remain responsive and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional duty.

    Buratai gave the assurance in Ibadan at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    He appealed for  the understanding of Nigerians as the army continues to  perform  its responsibilities as enshrined in the constitution.

    The army chief  also promised that the resolutions  reached at the end of the conference would be judiciously implemented.

    “As we enter 2018, the Nigerian Army identified the core values  of discipline, professionalism and responsiveness as the benchmark to reposition the service.

    “There is the need for maintenance culture and  continuous infrastructural development and welfare of personnel in the performance of their operation.

    “I promise to use all available resources that would encourage all officers and soldiers perform optimally in their various command,’’ Buratai said.

    Read also: Buratai: we’ve degraded Boko Haram

    He  said that the objective of the conference had  been achieved as the army performed creditably  well in 2017.

    Buratai  also said that the Official Secrets  Act of 1962 would be applied strictly in the conduct of future army operations.

    He  expressed gratitude to  President Muhammadu Buhari for  the successes recorded by the army.

    Declaring the conference closed, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State commended  the participants, saying the forum  confirmed the patriotism and unity of the army.

    NAN

  • APC set to welcome Akala, Folarin, Olaniyan, others in Oyo

    APC set to welcome Akala, Folarin, Olaniyan, others in Oyo

    All is set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to welcome former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, Engr Rauf Olaniyan and other top politicians from opposition parties to its fold on Saturday.

    In a statement by the party’s Public Relations Officer (APC), Olawale Sadare, the party said the top politicians will be received officially at a rally to be held at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan on Saturday.

    Other politicians to officially join the APC are former Deputy Governor, Alh. Taofeek Arapaja, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ayodele Adigun of Accord party, and a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Segun Odebunmi, of the PDP.

    Others are Hon. Ayoola Makanjuola and Alhaji Rasaq Gbadegesin. They will lead their supporters to join the APC at the planned rally.

    The party described the defection as the mother of all defections in the politics of Oyo State.

    The party disclosed that some of the bigwigs had joined its fold since last year while others are just joining.

    The statement read in part: “With the caliber of active and experienced political players coming on board to reinvigorate our great Party ahead of the 2019 general election, it is pertinent to state here that the battle for the soul of the state to determine who takes over from the trail blazer, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, would be fought and won only within the APC.

    “With all intents and purposes, we crave for a viable opposition as a necessary impetus for good governance and democracy growth in the Pacesetter State but what the combination of PDP, LP and Accord Party had offered in the last couple of years fell below the standard thereby necessitating the need for the ruling APC to activate its check and balance mechanism for the good of the process.

    “Apparently, the Sterling performance of Gov. Ajimobi in offering the last six years coupled with his exemplary leadership qualities must have appealed to the patriotic zeal in the new entrants who are coming in to strengthen the APC and thus put paid to irresponsible politics of opposition which some lazy bones and few unscrupulous elements still promote to actualize selfish goals.

    “For the sake record, Ibadan will witness another epoch-making political event similar to the one we held for President Muhammad Buhari during the build-up to the 2015 general election. This time again, Sen. Ajimobi and Chief Akin Oke (our state chairman) will be on hand to play host to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, APC governors from other states among other dignitaries to welcome the defectors.

    “What this indicates is that the unrelenting activities of Gov. Ajimobi in relation to his reformation, restoration and transformation agenda for the state would get another boost as many active stakeholders are getting more involved while the dream of a brighter future for our dear state is becoming more realizable by the day.”

  • Oyo PDP Exco endorses Ladoja for national chairmanship

    Oyo PDP Exco endorses Ladoja for national chairmanship

    The Oyo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Wednesday endorsed a former governor of the state, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, as its choice among those jostling for the seat of the National Chairman at the party’s national convention slated for Saturday.

    The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, announced the endorsement and adoption after a show of hand vote, during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Molete, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

    But another aspirant, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, said the endorsement carries no weight because he had also been endorsed by the same State Executive nine months ago.

    To him, the endorsement was a mere recognition of aspirants’ move to contest the election.

    Mustapha said: “On behalf of Oyo PDP, we must vote for Sen.  Ladoja come December 9. The Southwest is the rightful zone to have the chairman of our great party.

    “The Southeast and the Southsouth have produced the chairmen before now and that is why it is our turn to have the national chairman.

    Speaking earlier, Ladoja assured members of the party that if given the opportunity to serve, he would return the culture and tradition put in place by the founding members of the party.

    Ladoja, who has been a Board of Trustees (BOT) member of the party, promised “never to compromise on things that are not right and are not in the constitution of the party.”

    “I will do things the way they should be done and everybody will be happy. That was how our founding fathers were moving the party forward.”

    He argued that it would be best to fortify the defence for the PDP in the South-West where it only boasts of a governor with the position of the national chairman so as to make the entire southern part of the country a home for the party.