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Tag: Oyo

  • NIESV seeks govt collaboration to end land grabbing in Oyo

    NIESV seeks govt collaboration to end land grabbing in Oyo

    A member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Oyo State branch, Biyi Adesanya, has called for collaboration between Oyo State Government and estate surveyors to combat land-grabbing in the State.

    He said the move will bring an end to the long-standing problem of land grabbing in Oyo State.

    The Oyo State government has declared zero tolerance for land-grabbing activities, including forceful entry, illegal occupation, and fraudulent practices. To achieve this, the government plans to establish a task force dedicated to tackling land grabbing.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the recognition and awards ceremony of the Hope Harriman Memorial Annual Secondary Schools Essay Competition, Adesanya, who was the Chief host, maintained that by working together, government and estate surveyors can create comprehensive solutions to the issue.

    According to him, effective collaboration will require open communication, mutual understanding, and a commitment to transparency. 

    He said with the combined expertise of estate surveyors and the government’s dedication to combating land grabbing, Oyo State can make significant progress in addressing this persistent problem

    He said land grabbing has become rampant in the state, particularly in Ibadan, becoming a vice in the ancient city.

    He noted NIESV members can only do little as far as land grabbing is concerned, saying as a professional body, they play only advisory roles towards ending the menance.

    He lamented the selling of lands is been mostly handled by non-professionals, with most of it leading to controversy and litigation.

    Read Also: NIESV Lagos branch hosts fellows

    “Government should always consult professionals when it comes to issue of land and landed property, government should call for roundtable dialogue with our members on ways to curb land-grabbers across the state,” he stressed.

    A lecturer at the Department of Estate Management, University of Ibadan, Dr. Adebola Adeyemo, urged students to invest in their future and allow passion guide their careers.

    Recipients of the awards include: Oloye Abdur-Rasaq Ajao (Distinguished Veteran Mentorship Award); Prof. Cyril Ajayi (Distinguished Professional Mentorship Award); ESV Suraju Yaya (Outstanding Trainer Mentorship Award); United Missionary Comprehensive College, Ibadan; Queens School, Ibadan; Oritamefa Baptist Model School and all Alumni of Harriman & Co.

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  • Adeleke kicks over Ganduje’s comment on APC plots to take over Osun, Oyo

    Adeleke kicks over Ganduje’s comment on APC plots to take over Osun, Oyo

    Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has criticised the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for his comments regarding the party’s intentions to take over Osun and Oyo states following its gubernatorial victory in Ondo state.

    The Nation reports that after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner of the Ondo gubernatorial election, Ganduje announced that efforts to capture Oyo and Osun states, which are currently controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had begun.

    In his response, Adeleke argued that Ganduje’s statement was intended to destabilise the southwest region and incite conflict.

    Through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke stated on Monday, asserting that the anti-democratic comments made by the APC leader are in stark contrast to the democratic principles upheld by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     “As a well-read politician, one would have expected Dr Ganduje to know that electoral contests depend mostly on local indexes and factors and that what obtains in Edo and Ondo are surely different from political facts on the ground in Osun state.

    “Local permutations, grievances, and interests dictate how people vote rather than superimposed force, the spokesperson noted, citing the failure of the APC leader to win the Kano state governorship race for his party.”

    Read Also: APC chieftain, ex-lawmaker, others strategise to unseat Adeleke in 2026

    He mocked Ganduje for losing Kano State to the Kwankwasiyya group, which defeated his faction after he governed the state for eight years.

    “Osun factors which enthroned Governor Adeleke would not resist any attempt to disrespect the will of Osun people in 2026.

    “If Dr Ganduje truly loves Mr President, why is he pushing to destabilize the president’s home zone through open threats to violate electoral law and deny the electorate their rights to vote and be voted for.”

  • Oyo pledges support for Ogbomoso cradles carnival

    Oyo pledges support for Ogbomoso cradles carnival

    The Oyo State Government has pledged support for the forthcoming Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival through collaboration with organising committee of the event.

    The government said it will support cultural activities and develop tourism potentials in the state, which Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival case will not be an exception.

    Speaking while hosting the event’s committee in his office, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun highlighted significance of the new festival, saying Odun Ole was the only recognised festival in Ogbomoso previously. 

    According to him, with Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, the State Government has added another annual celebration ratified by the State Executive Council.

    Olatubosun praised Ogbomosoland for its strides in promoting culture and tourism within the region.

    He said: “I am happy that Ogbomosoland has awakened in the areas of promoting cultural and tourism potential in their geopolitical zone. This effort will enhance unity among the five local governments and contribute to the area’s economic development.”

    He further said that stakeholders from the culture and tourism sectors would be invited to participate in the event. 

    Read Also: Oyo governor to present proposed 2025 Budget today

    Commending the committee’s efforts, Olatubosun said: “You have laid a solid foundation, and I must commend your determination to unite and advance Ogbomosoland.”

    The event committee chairman, Hon. Williams Adeleye, explained that the meeting was held to seek state collaboration. 

    He said the carnival, which was initiated by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, aims to celebrate the area’s cultural heritage and stimulate economic growth.

    The carnival, which has been scheduled for December 19- 23 will feature Nollywood actors, musicians, and notable Ogbomoso natives, offering opportunities for economic prosperity and job creation.

    Adeleye, a former adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, added that the event is expected to attract investment in agro-allied industries, hospitality, and other sectors.

  • Oyo re-arraigns ‘doctor’ over death of day old- baby

    Oyo re-arraigns ‘doctor’ over death of day old- baby

    The Oyo State Government has finally re-arraigned one ‘Doctor ‘Oludele Olanrewaju over the death of a day-old- baby belonging to a Togolese, Bose John.

    The Nation had exclusively reported on January 13, 2024, how Olanrewaju took the baby from the home of Bose to his Mercy Hospital in the Moniya area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital under the guise of giving the child special care but later declared the baby died and failed to produce the body to Bose and the police.

    He was arraigned at a Magistrate’s Court and remanded in prison custody while the trial was adjourned. The Nation reported again on June 15, 2024, how Olanrewaju was released from prison without the knowledge of the trial court.

    Worried by the reports, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun told The Nation that the suspect would be re-arraigned in court.

    The state government made good on its promise on Friday when it re-arraigned Olanrewaju at Fiat State High Court 2 on Ring Road, Ibadan, presided over by Justice Bayo Taiwo.

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly suspends council boss over viral video

    The case with suit number I/58c/2024 was between Oyo State and Oludele Olanrewaju, aged 50 years.

    The state had charged the defendant on three counts which bothers on stealing a day-old baby, illegal medical practice, and impersonation as a medical doctor.

    The defendant was absent in court when the matter came up for mention on Friday. He neither had any legal representation in court as well.

    A Senior State Counsel, Mrs. Olubisi Bolarinwa, of the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice, represented the State in court.

    Ruling, Justice Taiwo adjourned the case till November 26, 2024, for hearing and arraignment.

  • Oyo targets another UNESCO cultural heritage designation

    Oyo targets another UNESCO cultural heritage designation

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has expressed the hope that in line with his administration’s zeal to expand the state’s economy through tourism, the Igbo Ora Festival of Twins and Multiple Births will be promoted to gain world acclaim as a UNESCO World Heritage.

    Makinde stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the annual World Twins Festival, themed; ‘Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,’ held at the Methodist Grammar School, Igbo Ora, Oyo State.

    The governor said his government would continue to promote the festival because of its uniqueness and importance to Ibarapaland and Oyo State in general.

    Read Also: UNESCO to upgrade National Park to World Heritage Site

    He added that his administration would also accelerate efforts on developing the necessary infrastructure to support the drive, stating that the government would double its efforts to ensure that the ongoing rehabilitation of Ido/Eruwa road is completed.

    Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, pledged his government’s continuous support for the festival to attract more investors, stating that this would be achieved through the improvement of facilities and the creation of an enabling environment needed for tourism to thrive in the state.

    The event was organised by the Igbo Ora Community Foundation and Ibarapa Central Local Government in conjunction with Oyo State Government and the Twins World Creation Intercontinental.

  • Cassava farmers get AATF agronomic practices training programme in Oyo

    Cassava farmers get AATF agronomic practices training programme in Oyo

    The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has officially launched a Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of cassava farmers and processors in the Southwest. 

    The programme, which was launched at the Fashola farms, Oyo, targets over 6,000 beneficiaries, with a particular focus on empowering women and youths.

    The weeklong training, facilitated by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, kicked off with the first batch of 1,000 participants, consisting of farmers and processors frkm different parts of the Southwest states. 

    This marks the initial phase of the training series, which is expected to span over three years. 

    The Nation reports that AATF had previously committed, during the inauguration of the Cassava Mechanization and Agro-Processing Facility in April 2024, to train 6,000 farmers and processors. 

    The initiative will gradually scale up with 1,000 trainees in 2024, 2,000 in 2025, and 3,000 in 2026.

    In addition to the farmers, the program will include 1,000 processors, primarily women from Oyo and Ogun states, with a focus on value addition in cassava processing. 

    By equipping them with essential skills, the training seeks to improve their livelihoods through better production methods and increased value creation.

    Speaking during the launch of the training program, at Fashola farms, Oyo, AATF’s Programme Officer for Agribusiness,

    Mr. Kehinde Jimoh, emphasized that this initiative is part of AATF’s broader commitment to enhancing the productivity of cassava farmers and processors. 

    He stated, “This training is focused on empowering farmers and processors with best agronomic practices and value addition strategies, which will lead to significant improvements in their livelihoods and cassava productivity.”

    Director of Tuber Crops Research at NRCRI, Dr. Adeyemi Olojede expressed delight at the institute’s involvement in the program. 

    He noted the importance of the training not only in boosting cassava production but also in enhancing value addition, which will provide farmers with alternative income streams. 

    “Due to the significant impact this training will have on cassava farmers in Southwest Nigeria, NRCRI has deployed a team of experts to ensure that the objectives are met and that the facility contributes to the nation’s food security efforts,” Dr. Olojede said.

    Read Also: Establishment of ethanol plants, others excite cassava farmers, boost incomes

    The training program, hosted by AATF and facilitated by NRCRI experts, is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with AATF, Agridrive Ltd., and Clayuca Corporation. 

    The training covers critical areas such as best agronomic practices, cassava value addition, and prudent financial management, all within the framework of the “Mechanization of Cassava Production and Processing Project” under the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag).

    The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to improving cassava farming and processing in Nigeria, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

  • FULL LIST: Oyo, Osun, 24 others with zero foreign investments in one year

    FULL LIST: Oyo, Osun, 24 others with zero foreign investments in one year

    Foreign investors snubbed 26 States as the value of capital importation into Nigeria reached $2.60bn in the second quarter of 2024.

    Capital importation is foreign investments into a nation’s economy and is necessary for economic growth as it enables rapid investment.

    They are made up of three categories — Portfolio Investment, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and other investments.

    It can also be explained as bringing in capital from abroad to fuel investment, trade, and manufacturing within a country.

    According to latest capital importation report for the second quarter of 2024 released by the National Bureau of Statistics, there was a robust increase of 152.81 per cent year-on-year compared to $1.03bn in Q2 2023.

    Read Also: Africa military games will boost Abuja’s social, economic activities – Wike

    In the review period, Lagos took the lead, outshining others — including the federal capital territory (FCT) — to top the list of states that attracted the most investments.

    Lagos maintained its position as the leading destination for capital importation, attracting $1.37bn, or 52.52 per cent of total inflows.

    Abuja received $1.24bn, which accounted for 47.48 per cent of the total.

    The 26 States with no foreign investments from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024 are listed below:

    1. Bauchi

    2. Bayelsa

    3. Benue

    4. Borno

    5. Cross River

    6. Delta

    7. Ebonyi

    8. Edo

    9. Enugu

    10. Gombe

    11. Imo

    12. Jigawa

    13. Kaduna

    14. Kano

    15. Katsina

    16. Kebbi

    17. Kogi

    18. Kwara

    19. Nasarawa

    20. Osun

    21. Oyo

    22. Plateau

    23. Sokoto

    24. Taraba

    25. Yobe

    26. Zamfara

  • Oyo to host Odu’a int’l trade fair; launch farmers market

    Oyo to host Odu’a int’l trade fair; launch farmers market

    Oyo state government is set to host a joint Odua trade fair organised by Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and Ekiti states in Ibadan.

    The government will also launch farmers market to foster entrepreneurship in the southwest region.

    Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Adeniyi Adebisi, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting on Odu’a international trade fair, 2024 at the Trade Fair Complex, EXPOYO, in Ibadan.

    He said the farmers market will provide an avenue for farmers to sell their produce at affordable prices, and also empower them economically.

    He emphasized the need to support local farmers and promote agricultural development in Oyo state and it’s environs.

    Adebisi also commended the governor Seyi makinde for revitalising trade fairs in the state, citing the recent success of the Oyo State International Trade fair, EXPOYO, 2024.

    Also speaking, the Chairman, Organising Committee, Odu’a International Trade fair 2024, Kola Akosile revealed that the theme of the trade fair is “Harnessing Food Security Systems and Natural Resources for Sustainable Development and Wealth Creation”. 

    He added that the fair is organised by Odu’a chamber of commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (Odu’accima), and it will take place from October 18 to 29, 2024 at the Trade fair ground, Expoyo, Sango, Ibadan.

    He said the fair will also feature a showcase of the state’s agricultural prowess, with a focus on food security and natural resources in the Southwest region to create wealth and promote sustainable development.

    He stated that the 10-day event will feature business exhibitions, networking, and ten days of free amala delicacy. 

    Read Also: Oyo committed to cultural tourism for economic expansion

    He said, “Expected participants include 100-150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from the six Southwest states: Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun while products and services showcased will include agric and agro-allied products, manufactured goods, electronic goods, and services from agencies like CAC, NAFDAC, and SON”.

    Akosile noted that the fair will also highlight artificial intelligence applications, technology displays, and satellite imaging for agricultural management, showcasing the latest innovations in precision agriculture.  

    “With the support of Governor Makinde and the efforts of the Organising Committee, the ODU’A International Trade Fair, 2024, promises to be a remarkable event”, he added.

  • Youths, professionals lead discourse on Oyo socio-political issues

    Youths, professionals lead discourse on Oyo socio-political issues

    A leading policy think-tank in Oyo state, Ogbeni Labzy Alternative has provided a platform for robust discussions on key issues affecting Oyo State, focusing on land acquisition, tourism, local government autonomy, food security and other areas.

    At the roundtable tagged Alt café held recently, solution-based conversations and discourse featured a duologue (The Delivery Room) as well as interactive and networking sessions.

    The group which consists of young people primarily based in Oyo state but with membership spread across the globe, is convened by Adeola Adelabu, popularly known as Ogbeni Labzy.

    These young persons are committed to contributing to societal development through a number of initiatives otherwise known as alternatives.

    With the theme Harnessing Opportunities in Oyo State: “Potentials, Policies, and Politics”, the café provided an open platform for meaningful conversations that discussed and addressed some of the most pressing socio-political issues in Oyo State.

    Some of the discussions centred around key areas with profound policy implications for Oyo State’s growth and development.

    Read Also: Oyo new hub for real estate – Mogbonjubola

    The duologue session was led by Adeola Adelabu (Ogbeni Labzy) and Prince Damola Layade, while the roundtable discussion featured key contributions from the following leading discussants: Dayo Ogunbowale – Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications; Michael Ogunsina – Youth Leader /Acting PRO Oyo State PDP; Prince David Adeoye – Executive Director of O.N.E Foundation; Prince Ademola Oyeledun – Executive Researcher and Historian; and Stephen Ademola – President, Junior Chamber International, Ibadan

    Some of the key issues discussed include Emerging Real Estate and Land Acquisition Issues in Oyo State; Appraising Agriculture and Food Security in Oyo State; Tourism in Oyo State: Carcass or Phoenix; Local Government Autonomy: A Resistance in Good Faith?

    Also, the issue of transparency in communication and citizen engagement was raised, as several participants emphasized the need for better community involvement in developmental projects to promote trust between the government and the people.

    Participants also urged the government to prioritize policies that promote food sustainability, encouraging the state to reserve a percentage of staple food for local consumption and improve value-added services in agriculture.

    The discussion also acknowledged the need for a balance between granting LGs more authority while ensuring that they operate under a framework that maintains accountability and alignment with state policies.

  • Oyo to recruit 791 officers into state civil service

    Oyo to recruit 791 officers into state civil service

    The Oyo state government has approved the recruitment process of about 791 officers of various cadres into the mainstream of its civil service.

    The Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alh. Kamoru Aderibigbe made this known during a press conference which held at the Film Theatre, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan on Wednesday. 

    The Chairman said the recruitment will encompass the absorption of 213 Education Officers, and 561 officers into the mainstream.

    According to him, “This recruitment will be the highest into the mainstream of the Civil Service in the last two decades. I believe we could have had more, but, for the fact that the Governor has constantly approved the conversion of officers who were employed into the lower cadres in the Civil Service by the previous administration, but possessed higher educational qualifications. 

    “In addition, those who academically improved themselves by having additional qualifications from Tertiary Institutions with the approval of the State Government also benefited from about One Thousand and five hundred workers converted on the Governor’s magnanimity since the beginning of this administration and more are still being converted as we are here”.

    He noted that the recruitment exercise will be for those who excel in 35 teaching subjects in the Ministry of Education controlled schools and about 45 various cadres in the core Civil Service.

    Aderibigbe said to ensure due diligence, fairness and equity in the recruitment process, prospective applicants will be required to log into the State Government job portal www.jobportal.oyostate.gov.ng as from Monday, 7th October, 2024 to Friday, 11th October, 2024.

    Read Also: APC Oyo rejects Akande-Sadipe’s alleged expulsion, calls for resolution

    Meanwhile, applicants into cadres requiring a degree must be University graduates with a minimum of second class (Hons.) lower division while applicants into cadres that require Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate must be Polytechnic graduates with a minimum of lower credit. 

    He said the Commission will ensure competence in the discharge of its duties without any political interference. 

    “All University and Polytechnic graduates must possess NYSC discharged certificates or exemption certificates as at the time of this recruitment process. Applicants into cadres requiring the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) must be graduates with a minimum of merit.”

    He said Governor Seyi Makinde has scored another goal by approving the recruitment process, for teeming youths in the state.

    Aderibigbe appreciated the harmonious working relationships with the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters as well as the various Labour Unions affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress/Trade Union Congress Oyo State Chapter.

    Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Dr. Taiwo Ladipo reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensure merit in the recruitment process.