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Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo hosts cultural festival

    Oyo hosts cultural festival

    With a spectacular fusion of Egungun masquerade performances, Fuji music rhythms and amala cuisine competition, the inaugural Egungun festival is set to be held in Oyo State.

    Scheduled to hold from the 11th to the 13th of July 2024, the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan will be transformed into a pulsating epicenter of festivities, inviting participants to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Oyo State’s cultural heritage.

    Presented by the Ibile Culture and Tourism Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Malimbe Labs, and FUJI: A Opera, the festival aims to celebrate the essence of Oyo State’s culture, music, and cuisine while showcasing its unique traditions and talents.

    At its heart, EFOS 2024 promises an immersive experience, seamlessly weaving together the mesmerizing allure of Egungun masquerades, the rhythmic cadence of Fuji music, and the tantalizing aroma of Amala cuisine. This convergence of art, music, culture, and gastronomy is poised to enthrall audiences of diverse backgrounds, fostering a spirit of communal celebration and unity.

    Central to EFOS 2024 is the symbolic essence of the Egungun, an emblematic figure embodying the resilience and solidarity that define Oyo State’s cultural identity.

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    These masquerades, steeped in deep-rooted historical significance, have served as stalwart symbols in ancient battles and ceremonial rites, embodying the enduring legacy of Oyo’s traditions.

     The festival will showcase masquerades from all 33 local governments of Oyo State, providing attendees with a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

    Beyond the historical resonance of the masquerades, EFOS 2024 promises a sensory extravaganza with its diverse lineup of performances and culinary experiences.

    Fuji music will feature renowned artists, accompanied by a cadre of talented performers set to grace the festival stage. Meanwhile, the Amala cuisine competition will add a flavourful dimension to the festivities, as vendors from across Oyo State vie for the title of the best Amala vendor, spotlighting the culinary diversity of the region.

    Oyo State Commissioner of Information, Culture & Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, remarked that, “Egungun Festival Oyo State is not merely an event; it is a celebration of our collective identity, traditions, and community. This festival serves as a vibrant tapestry of our rich cultural heritage, providing a platform to honor and safeguard our traditions for generations to come,” he said.

    In echoing the sentiments of unity and cultural pride, the Principal Advisor at Red Clay Advisory, Dr. Adun Okupe extended a warm invitation to all to partake in three days of jubilant festivities and cultural exchange at the Egungun Festival Oyo State.

  • Oyo unveils free technology skill training for 1,000 students

    Oyo unveils free technology skill training for 1,000 students

    As part of its effort to ensure quality and sustainable development in the education sector in line with the Omituntun 2.0 Agenda of Oyo state, the Office of Human Capital Development, has revealed its readiness to train 1,000 senior secondary school students on free coding and non-code technology skills.

    The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Administration, Revd. Idowu Ogedengbe stated this on Friday, May 3, during a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Ogedengbe noted that the initiative, which is aimed at launching a groundbreaking technology programme to empower senior secondary school students across the 33 local government areas of the state, with technology skills, will be implemented in partnership with some private investors in the technology sector.

    He maintained that the training, which will be held between July 15th and July 19th at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, will begin with selected schools in all the 11 local governments in Ibadan Main and fewer cities, while other beneficiaries from the remaining local governments will be trained at a subsequent date.

    He said: “This pilot programme will witness an unprecedented event where 1,000 senior secondary school students from the 11 local governments of Ibadan will receive specialised training in coding and non-code tech skills.

    “The next phases of the initiative would see us taking the training to the remaining LGAs with a view to ensuring that the impact is widespread and even across all the constituencies in Oyo State.

    “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing quality education and preparing our youth for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

    Read Also: Firm set to address housing deficit in Oyo

    “CodeGarage Africa has been at the forefront of promoting digital literacy across Africa, and we are delighted to partner with them in this endeavour with the support of Zeeh Africa and 386Konsult. We aim to equip our students with the tech skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the increasingly digital world.

    “The importance of coding or non-code tech skills cannot be overstated in today’s society, from driving innovation to solving complex problems, tech skills are fundamental skills that open doors to countless opportunities.

    “Introducing coding education to our senior secondary school students will allow us to lay the foundation for a future where they can excel in technology-driven fields and contribute meaningfully to the development of our state and beyond.”

    Ogedengbe added that the programme is in tandem with the vision of Governor Makinde on education, as his government’s policy is not only to invest in the future of the youths but to also position Oyo State as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.

    He, therefore, encouraged stakeholders, including parents, educators, and the private sector, to support and participate in the laudable programme to unlock the full potential of the young stars to become leaders in the digital age.

    In their remarks, the partnering private investors, CodeGarage Africa, Miss Dolapo Ayeni, and her counterpart, Zeeh Africa, Mr David Adeleke, said training the students from the grassroots level is very useful to the ecosystem.

    They added that it is another way of catching them young and also exposing them to entrepreneurship, even as they called for more partners to collaborate with the Oyo state government.

  • Firm set to address housing deficit in Oyo

    Firm set to address housing deficit in Oyo

    A firm, Landnest Homes and Properties has reiterated its commitment to addressing the challenges of the housing deficit in Oyo state with the unveiling of its Nubia City Estate project which tends to give elite luxury opportunities to residents of the state.

    The firm said its major drive was to be the number one luxurious Estate in Ibadan, the first of its kind in terms of modern infrastructures and architectural masterpieces with posh finishing.

    A statement by one of the company’s co-founders, Oladeji Solomon said that the firm, a Lagos-based Property Development and Management Company commenced development of its major eco-friendly residential and commercial city last year.

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    He said Nubia City Estate, located at Ayelaagbe, Fasina area, Moniya/Iseyin road, Ibadan was for the benefit of various category income earners.

    According to the statement, Nubia city estate is conceptualized as a pace-setting natural habitat in the pacesetter state to redefine living and living conditions with real estate project being implemented by a consortium of well-tested professionals operating under principles and philosophies of global best practices in a local environment to birth an international estate brand.

    Areo Michael, who is also a co-founder of the company, acknowledged Landnest as a company that has been a champion of affordable and sustainable housing in Nigeria with the Nubia City estate project in Oyo state as a pursuit of its mission to be a catalyst for providing Nigerian citizens with pocket-friendly houses at favourable terms and conditions.

  • Oyo Reps member, Lafi, distributes over 2000 Tinubu’s rice, empowers 300 constituents with N100k cash

    Oyo Reps member, Lafi, distributes over 2000 Tinubu’s rice, empowers 300 constituents with N100k cash

    The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Akinmoyede Olafisoye, popularly called Lafi on Tuesday, April 30, distributed over 2,000 bags of rice among other palliative for his constituents.

    He said the rice were palliative given the lawmakers by President Bola Tinubu in his bid to cushion the effect of hardship faced by fuel subsidy removal.

    Additionally, about 300 beneficiaries got N100,000 cash support for their businesses while over 200, 000 notebooks were shared to students from various schools in the federal constituency.

    The event which held at FaithJoe Civic Centre, beside Community High School, Alegongo, was attended by leaders of the party from across the federal constituency and state.

    Speaking, Olafisoye who is the chairman, Committee on Nigeria/Mexico Parliamentary Friendship, said the initiative and particularly distribution of the rice palliative was organisedin conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the beneficiaries.

    He appealed to the people to give Preaident Tinubu more support and patience saying he meant well for the country.

    He said: “The rice palliative which is being distributed today is borne out of our efforts as lawmakers’ deep concern with the hardship facing Nigerians as a result of fuel subsidy removed by the federal government on May 29, 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.

    “Apart from the rice palliative, cash grant is also given to some individual traders who engage in micro businesses to augment their business activities while another 200, 000 notebooks will be distributed to students in both public primary and secondary schools across Akinyele and Lagelu federal constituency.

    “I would like to commend the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for giving members of the National Assembly the opportunity to distribute rice palliative to members of our various constituents to bring succour to them.

    “Let me also commend Mr Vice-President, Senator Kassim Shettima, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass (Phd), the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, our three Senators from Oyo State most especially from the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde and other colleagues who have shown serious concern to alleviate the plight of the masses since the fuel subsidy was removed

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    “As members of the National Assembly, we are trying to ensure harmonious and good working relationships between the Executive and Legislative Arms with a view to making the life better for everyone in terms of security of lives and property, health, education and improved socio-economic status within the shortest period of time.

    “I will therefore enjoin the people to exercise more patience for President Bola Tinubu who has decided to make Nigeria better and bring back its lost glory.

    “My good people of Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency, I want to assure you that I will give you quality and better representation and will bring whatever is due to you from the federal government back to you as I promised during my electioneering campaign period.”

    Jaiyeola Olusegun, Morolape Morenikeji among other beneficiaries in their separate remarks thanked the lawmaker and the federal government for the initiatives saying it will go a long way to cushion their plight.

  • Council poll begins in Oyo

    Council poll begins in Oyo

    Residents are beginning to troop out to exercise their franchise as council poll begin across Oyo State.

    The exercise is the second under Governor Seyi Makinde led administration in the last five years.

    When The Nation visited some parts of Ibadan,  the Oyo State capital city, it was observed that the restriction of movement was in force, although some few vehicles could still be seen on the road.

    Markets, shops and businesses also did not open in compliance with the 8AM to 3PM movement restrictions put in place by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

    When The Nation visited some polling units, it was gathered that electoral officials and materials arrived early. 

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Oyo Council poll takes off

    As of the time of filing  this report, some residents have been going to the polling units to cast their votes.

    Security operatives, especially Police, were seen in various parts of the voting areas and strategic places.

    No hitch or violence has been reported so far as of the time of filing this report.

  • OYSIEC, Police, others promise credible council poll

    OYSIEC, Police, others promise credible council poll

    The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and other security agencies have assured of a credible and violence-free local government election in the State on Saturday.

    They pledged to ensure a transparent, credible, free and fair council poll, saying Saturday’s exercise will guarantee democracy at the local government across the State.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a briefing, Oyo Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat said security agencies in the State will not tolerate anything that will disrupt peace.

    He vowed that trouble-makers would face the full wrath of the law when apprehended. 

    Read Also: Oyo 2027: Ibadan philanthropist Sanusi clarifies stand

    He said there would be the restriction of movement tomorrow between 8am and 6pm.

    He noted that no individual or political figure will be allowed to go to polling boot with any security guard.

    According to him: “Use of siren, unauthorised covered number place will not be tolerated, we want a peaceful and credible electioneering.”

    OYSIEC chairman, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), said though all political parties signed the Peace Accord on Monday, the Commission will not allow any harassement, threat or security breach at the poll.

    According to him: “Our mission is to represent the will of people in the state, we are not for any political party, we must all play according to the rule for the election to be credible, peaceful and credible.

    “We are ready to ensure the election is violence-free, credible and acceptable. It will start by 8am and end by 3pm but anybody on queue by 3pm will still be allowed to vote. There will be restriction of vehicular movement between 8am-6pm tomorrow.”

  • Council polls: Oyo declares Friday half working day

    Council polls: Oyo declares Friday half working day

    Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of Friday, April 26, as a half working day for all public and civil servants in the state.

    This is in connection with the local government election slated for Saturday, April 27.

    A circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, stated that government offices are to close by noon while personnel covering essential services are expected to remain at their duty posts.

    Read Also: Oyo council honours Ladigbolu, names road after dad

    The state government, in the circular, enjoined all public and civil servants to go out and exercise their civic rights on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

  • Okanlawon felicitates Oyo South Senate member, Sarafadeen at 61

    Okanlawon felicitates Oyo South Senate member, Sarafadeen at 61

    House of Representatives candidate in Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency and the Chairman, Olusegun Okanlawon Foundation (OOF), Engr. Dr. David Olusegun Okanlawon has celebrated the Senate member representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli on the occasion of his 61st birthday celebration.

    The congratulatory message which was contained in an official statement signed by Engr David Olusegun Okanlawon and made available through his Media Aide, Adedokun Sunday Harshasha on Saturday extolled Alli, and prayed that God should grant him long life and prosperity so that we may witness and enjoy more of his impacts. 

    Read Also: Oyo South Senator donates N13m to party, candidates for council poll

    “I join the good people of Oyo South and the APC family in congratulating our father and leader, Sen. Barr. Sarafadeen Alli, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, on the occasion of his 61st birthday. 

    “Barrister has lived and served in various capacities, and he has used his presence in those capacities to positively influence his immediate community.”

  • Oyo South Senator donates N13m to party, candidates for council poll

    Oyo South Senator donates N13m to party, candidates for council poll

    Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) has donated N13 million to Oyo All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidates for support ahead of the upcoming April 27 local government election. 

    He said the donation was aimed at enhancing campaign efforts of the party and its candidates.

    A statement by the media adviser to the lawmaker, Akeem Abass reaffirmed Alli’s dedication to fostering unity and progress within the party.

    He said the significant contribution was distributed strategically to support the nine local government chairmanship candidates in Oyo South with N300,000 each while the 99 councillors received N50,000 each.

    Read Also: Alaafin Stool: Oyo Mesi appeals as court strikes out case against Makinde

    He said the support also serves as a testament to his belief in the importance of grassroots democracy and effective representation.

    Alli counseled the candidates, emphasising the need for unity, dedication, and commitment to the party’s values and objectives. 

    A former Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Hon. Kehinde Subair, stressed the need for unity, purpose-driven leadership and effective communication in political campaigns.

  • Fish out sponsors of invasion of Oyo secretariat – YWC tells security agencies

    Fish out sponsors of invasion of Oyo secretariat – YWC tells security agencies

    Yorùbá World Congress Worldwide (YWC) has advised security agencies to fish out the sponsors of the Saturday’s attack of Oyo state government secretariat. 

    The group made this declaration via a statement made available to journalists through its secretary general, Stephen Ajayi.

    Recall that some people who claimed to be Yoruba nation agitators had on Saturday, April 13, stormed the Oyo state secretariat in a bid to take over the House of Assembly. 

    It was gathered that some of those who participated in the invasion have been arrested. 

    YWC in its reaction, enjoined the security operatives to fish out those who sponsored the attack. 

    The group noted that the need to arrest the sponsors of the invasion is necessary in order to serve as deterrent to others. 

    Ajayi in the statement said that the group frowned at any form of violence or treasonable acts that could jeopardise the peace and order in Yoruba land and in Nigeria as a whole.

    The statement read: “This is to formally inform the general public that the Yorùbá World Congress Worldwide (YWC) disassociates herself from any form of violence or any treasonable acts that could jeopardise the peace and order in Yoruba land, and in Nigeria as a whole.

    “Following the invasion of the Oyo State secretariat on the 13th April 2024 by some individuals of Yoruba Nation Agitators, to cause mayhem in Yoruba land and to cause confusion in Nigeria, we see their actions as barbaric and ill advised.

    “The Yorùbá World Congress Worldwide (YWC), UK, by this open letter, rejects and completely dissociates ourselves from the actions of these individuals.

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    “To serve as a deterrent to others, we advise that the law enforcement agencies should fish out the sponsors of the criminal elements from their hideouts and bring them to book without delay.

    “To further confirm our support for this present administration, it is to be recalled that Yorùbá World Congress Worldwide (YWC) was the first of all the Yoruba sociocultural and pressure groups/organisations in the world to organise support for the candidacy of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    “First on the 26th September, 2022 at Stratford, UK, then on the 17th December 2022 at Ado-Ekiti and finally, on the 26th January 2023 at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo state. The events brought together our esteemed Royal Fathers and traditional rulers, religious leaders, actors and actresses, Agbekoya members, market men/women and several Yorùbá interest groups in support of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his renewed hope agenda. As an organisation, the ‘renewed hope agenda’, is totally in tandem with our objectives.

    “Whilst seeking the betterment of all Yoruba sons and daughters in the Nigerian space, we call for peace and support for the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for the renewed hope for all Nigerians.”