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Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo govt denies claim of N20,000 Ramadan support funds, warns residents

    Oyo govt denies claim of N20,000 Ramadan support funds, warns residents

    The Oyo government has warned residents of the state to ignore the news trending on the social media which claimed that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the sum of N20,000 as 2024 Ramadan support fund.

    The state government urged residents to be wary of fraudsters, noting that the report did not emanate from any arm of the government, saying it is without any basis.

    The report, which is being circulated on social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, claimed that Governor Makinde approved the fund due to high level of inflation, economic hardship and high cost of feeding.

    It added that the sum of N20,000 was approved to ease some of the financial burdens that individuals may face during Ramadan, urging people to apply on a particular strange website.

    But the state government in a statement signed by Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju declared that the governor did not approve such fund and that the state would never do such thing in obscurity. 

    Read Also: 11 Muslims arrested in Kano for eating during Ramadan

    He added that Governor Makinde’s administration is known for transparency and openness.

    It, however, warned unsuspecting members of the public not to fall into the hands of unscrupulous elements seeking to profit from the current economic situation in the country.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Oyo State Government has been drawn to a trending piece of fake news that Governor Makinde has approved N20,000 Ramadan 2024 Support Fund.

    “The purveyors of the said fake news also put up a strange website where they urged residents to apply for the bogus fund.

    “Please note that there is no ongoing N20,000 Ramadan Support Fund and that the piece of news did not originate from Oyo State Government.

    “Governor Makinde has been running an open and transparent government and whatever intervention the government deems fit to add to already-existing measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship on residents of the state will not be done in obscurity. 

    “All residents of the state will be informed through the official channels of information and not some fraudulent but widely circulated piece of news like the one on the Ramadan Support Fund.

    “Kindly be cautious so as not to fall into the hands of fraudsters seeking to rip off unsuspecting people of their hard-earned resources.”

  • Oyo health workers end seven-day warning strike

    Oyo health workers end seven-day warning strike

    Health professionals under the aegis of Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), working at health facilities owned by Oyo State Government, yesterday suspended their seven-day warning strike.

    Directing its members to go back to work, the union said it is giving the government another 21days to start responding positively to its demands, after which it will no more guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector.

    The Nation reports that the workers, including laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dental technologists, dental therapists, medical social workers, radiographers, nutritionists and dietitians and health records and information managers across general, state and specialists/teaching hospitals in the last one week withdrew their service due to the strike.

    Read Also: Oyo govt bans use of Styrofoam

    The practitioners include: Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Nigeria Society of Physiotherapists (NSP), Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria (ADTN) and Nigerian Dental Therapists Association (NDTA).

    Others are: Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON), Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (AND), Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) and Oyo State Association of Hospitals and Administrative Pharmacists (CSAHAP).

  • Oyo health professionals suspend warning strike

    Oyo health professionals suspend warning strike

    Health professionals under the aegis of Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) working in facilities owned by the Oyo State Government on Monday suspended their ongoing seven-day warning strike.

    While directing all members to resume work, the union gave the government another 21 days to start responding to all her demands after which it would no more guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector in the state-owned health facilities.

    The Nation reports that the workers, including laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dental technologists, dental therapiats, medical social workers, radiographers, nutritionists and dietitians and health records and Information managers across all general, specialists/teaching hospitals in the State in the last one week withdrew their service due to the strike action.

    Read Also: DisCo explains blackout in Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, others

    The practitioners include: The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN); Nigeria Society of Physiotherapists (NSP); The Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria (ADTN) and Nigerian Dental Therapists Association (NDTA).

    Others are: Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON); Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN); Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (AND); Association of Health Recoeds and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) and Oyo State Association of Hospitals and Administrative Pharmacists (CSAHAP).

    The workers said they decided on the warning strike due to the failure of the state government to acceed the demands which have been tabled before various government committees in over two years.

    However, while calling off the strike, NUAHP Unit Chairman, Comrade Olanrewaju Ajani, in a statement on Monday said the union at various meetings received assurances of the Management of State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and State Health Management Board (SHMB) that the cases and demands were being handled by the government. 

  • Oyo health professionals begin 7-day warning strike

    Oyo health professionals begin 7-day warning strike

    Health professionals under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) working in various health facilities owned by the Oyo state government on Monday, March 4, embarked on a 7-day warning strike.

    The strike will involve laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dental technologists, dental therapists, medical social workers, radiographers, nutritionists, dietitians, and health records and information managers in all general, state, and specialist/teaching hospitals throughout the state.

    The practitioners include the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN); the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapists (NSP); the Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria (ADTN) and the Nigerian Dental Therapists Association (NDTA).

    Others are the Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON); Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN); Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (AND); Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) and the Oyo State Association of Hospitals and Administrative Pharmacists (CSAHAP).

    The workers said they decided on the warning strike due to the failure of the state government to exceed the demands which have been tabled before various government committees in over two years.

    Read Also: Oyo butchers increase price of meat

    The ten-point demand put forward by the group and seeking urgent government intervention include: “Implementation of the new national hazard allowance for health professionals; implementation of teaching allowance for NUAHP members who are deeply involved in the training of interns and students on clinical and research postings; adjustment of CONHESS table for our members in the service of Oyo state as already implemented for medical doctors since 2021.”

    The demands also include: “Urgent revamping and adequate funding of the state health facilities; release of promotion letters for qualified members who participated in the last promotion exercise in the state; skipping of CONHESS 10 on CONHESS salary table as applicable to Grade Level 11 (on GL Scale) as awarded by National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN); restoration of call duty allowance for dental therapists, recruitment of more health workers and professionals to include members of NUAHP to replace those who are retiring and those who left the service of the state, among other demands.

    Addressing a press conference before declaring the strike at a Congress held Monday, NUAHP unit chairman, Comrade Olanrewaju Ajani, flanked by other others said the Union will no longer allow her members to be sidelined and treated as inconsequential in the scheme of things in the health sector in the state.

    He said: “The Union will no longer look and allow her members to be sidelined, treated as inconsequential in the scheme of things in the health sector in the state.

    “We therefore urge the government under the able leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently look into NUAHP members’ grievances.

    “Our members are already pushed to the wall to have resorted to taking this step after exhausting all mechanisms to avoid a trade dispute.

    “The 7-day ultimatum as indicated in our letter expired early hours of Monday, 4th March. We hereby direct all our members across all the hospitals and health facilities across the state to proceed on a 7-day warning strike from Monday 4th of March, 2024 till 11th March 2025 and if after the expiration, there is no feasible outcome, the Union will declare an indefinite strike afterwards.”

  • LG polls: Opposition may boycott election without BVAS, Oyo SDP warns

    LG polls: Opposition may boycott election without BVAS, Oyo SDP warns

    Ahead of the April 24th local government polls in Oyo state, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has warned that opposition parties in the state may boycott the election if the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), fails to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine for the election.

    The party said using BVAS would assist the cause of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

    The party also called on the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), and other members of the Commission to do everything possible to demonstrate to the world that the forthcoming election would be devoid of manipulation in favour of the ruling party.

    Read Also: Thugs carted away BVAS machines in Bayelsa wards – Election observers

    Chairman of the party, Mr. Michael Okunlade, made the call while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Secretariat, where the 13 Chairmanship candidates of the party for the next LG polls were unveiled.

    He said: “If it (OYSIEC) fails to use BVAS, we are going to suspect the credibility of the election and it would be challenged. Opposition may boycott the election without the use of BVAS. The Chairman of OYSIEC has assured, on several occasions, that the poll would be credible and we take him for his words.

    “It is on this premise that we are requesting the Commission to make good its promise to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the election as only this would assist the cause of conducting a free, fair and acceptable election in April.

    “OYSIEC should also collaborate with the security agencies before, during, and after the election.”

    The party also expressed its burning desire to deepen democracy and provide an alternative to “bad governance being experienced in the Pacesetter state at the moment.”

  • Relief as Senator Alli distributes grains to traders

    Relief as Senator Alli distributes grains to traders

    Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) has embarked on the distribution of grains to traders in the district to cushion the effect of economic hardship. 

    The lawmaker has been visiting various markets within the senatorial district, distributing the grains to traders in the last few days.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the lawmaker on Media, Akeem Abass, explained that the ongoing initiative has already made an impact in several markets and locations across the district.

    According to him, notable markets that have benefited include Bodija Rice Market, Bodija Plank Market, Sango Market, Mokola Market, Favours Scout Camp Market, Aaree, Akobo Market, Asi, Eleyele Market, Danjuma, Bode Market, and Oja Oba market among others.

    He noted that the kindness and generosity by Alli is a testament to his commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people he represents.

    Read Also: North’s senators hail Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders for lifting sanctions on Niger Republic

    According to him: “Recognising the economic challenges faced by traders and individuals in the state, Senator Alli has taken it upon himself to provide some relief through the distribution of grains to alleviate the burden of rising food prices.

    “This initiative serves as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity with the traders and residents of Oyo South Senatorial District, the distribution of grains to traders has been met with gratitude and appreciation from the beneficiaries.

    “The gesture has not only provided much-needed sustenance but serves as  morale booster, reminding the traders that they are not alone in their struggles.

    “Senator Alli’s distribution efforts highlight the importance of collective responsibility and the role that leaders can play in supporting their communities during challenging times. 

    “By taking proactive steps to alleviate the economic hardship faced by traders, Senator Alli has demonstrated his commitment to serving the interests of the people and finding practical solutions to the issues they face.

    “As the distribution of grains continues across the Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope for many. 

    “His selflessness and dedication to the well-being of the people are a testament to his character and leadership. 

    “Through initiatives like this, Senator Alli leaves a lasting impact on the lives of the people he represents, reaffirming his commitment to their welfare and prosperity.”

    Some of the beneficiaries lauded the lawmaker for his thoughtfulness and recognising the difficulties they face.

  • ‘Emergence of new city in Oyo underway’

    ‘Emergence of new city in Oyo underway’

    Emergence of new city is underway with the proposed development of 27,000 acres as Valor City in Ogbomosoland, Oyo State, Chief Executive Officer of the project, Mr. Debo Olusola, has said.

    Conducting reporters round the site, he said he conceived the idea of the project 20 years ago.

    The aim, according to him, is to stop rural/urban migration as well create employment opportunities for 10,000 youths across the 33 local governments.

    Olusola, who described entrepreneurship as a panacea for economic crisis in the country, stressed the need for the private sector to take the driver’s seat.

    He expressed his readiness to partner the state government and stakeholders to facilitate speedy implementation of the project.

    He said Valor City shared infrastructural development of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration.

    “Most of the urban cities in the Southwest are densely populated, while the rural areas are left undeveloped. This prompted the idea of the Valor City.”

    “The infrastructural and socio-economic development of the country should not be shouldered by the three tiers of government alone. It is supposed to be a collective effort.

    “This is one of the major drives behind the Valor City concept. When completed, it will open up the state as well boost Internally Generated Revenue.

    “Some of the features of the proposed Valor City include: water parks, education and vocational centre, resorts, shopping malls, medical district and tech volley.

    Read Also: NDDC begins distribution of palliatives in Delta

    “Other features are: golf course, green and conservation areas, sport academies, renewable energy, raunchy farm and city library.”

    On the power generation and accessibility of the place, Olusola said the company would explore other sources of energy, including wind and solar energy.

    Also, the area has been connected to the national grid, which, according to him, would be an added advantage.

    On the accessibility and road network, Olusola said the area shared boundaries with Ilorin International Airport and other notable and historical cities in Oyo State.

  • Oyo suspends traditional ruler

    Oyo suspends traditional ruler

    The Oyo State Government has suspended the Baale of Ilua in Saki West Local Government Area, Chief Kilani Ajayi. 

    Chief Ajani’s suspension was premised on his activities, which have allegedly caused unrest and political strife within Ilua and Gbepakan communities.

    According to a letter addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola from the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo, Chief Ajani was recommended for suspension based on a letter from the Oyo State Solid Minerals Development Agency.

    Read Also: Oyo Labour leaders hail Makinde on wage award

    The suspension, which was approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, is to prevent the crisis in the communities from festering and to allow a fair investigation into the allegations against Chief Ajani.

  • SAfER: Oyo disburses N500m to 2,078 small business owners

    SAfER: Oyo disburses N500m to 2,078 small business owners

    Oyo State Government has disbursed N500 million to owners of small businesses, to boost their enterprises, as part of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had promised to support small business owners with N500million single-digit-interest loan to stimulate small businesses in the wake of removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol.

    The loans, made available to all categories of small business operators from all parts of the state, were routed through seven microfinance banks.

    The banks are Ebedi Microfinance Bank, Iseyin; Fullrange Microfinance Bank, Ibadan; Kadupe Microfinance Bank, Saki; Isale Oyo Microfinance Bank, Oyo; Caretaker Microfinance Bank, Ogbomoso; Excel Microfinance Bank, Ibadan and NUT Microfinance Bank, Oke Bola, Ibadan.

    While 233 small business owners accessed their loans through Ebedi Microfinance Bank, Iseyin; 168 got theirs from Fullrange Microfinance Bank; 400 beneficiaries accessed the loan from Kadupe Microfinance Bank.

    Similarly, 327 beneficiaries got theirs from Isale Oyo Microfinance Bank; 277 from Caretaker Microfinance Bank, 282 from Excel Microfinance Bank and 391 from NUT Microfinance Bank.

    Read Also: Be patient, Tinubu’s policies yielding results, Bagudu begs Nigerians

    Speaking about the loans given to small business owners, the Chairman of SAfER Committee, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, said the governor resolved to support small business operators with the loans because of the importance of that sector to economic growth.

    Ogunwuyi, who is also the Chief of Staff to the Governor, said many of the businesses in the state fall into that category, adding that by empowering them to boost their businesses, they are better positioned to generate wealth, create employment opportunities and grow the economy.

    He added that the process of selecting the beneficiaries was credible, because the state government outsourced it to microfinance banks that assessed the applicants and determined the amount of money required to grow the businesses and their capacity to repay.

    Advising the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, Ogunwuyi said the state government would not relent in improving the lot of the citizens and residents of Oyo State through initiatives.

  • Oyo seals industrial facility over alleged pollution

    Oyo seals industrial facility over alleged pollution

    The Oyo State Government has sealed a facility engaging in the recycling of waste tyres to produce pyrolysis oil, carbon black and steel wire as byproducts.

    The facility, Shri-Balaji Industry Limited, Olopomeji, along Ife road, Ibadan, in Egbeda local government, which has been in existence since 2016, was discovered to have grossly embarked on alleged unhealthy practices, which contravened the Extant Environmental Regulations of the State.

    Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resource, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, explained that the move was in the government’s efforts at ensuring conformity and adherence by companies, industrial firms, and corporate bodies, to acceptable worldwide, and state environmental laws.

    He said that during several routine monitoring to the company, it was discovered that the pyrolysis process had led to unhealthy emissions with flora sighted within and outside of the facility, and stained with carbon black, which is hazardous to human health. 

    Read Also: Oyo community seeks Makinde’s intervention in alleged land grabbing

    The Commissioner noted that aside from the facility being stained with the carbon black, the company had no evidence of engagement with solid waste contractor, while also the workers are exposed to high risk, as there was no provisions for personal protective equipment, nor evidence of health scheme for staffs in all sections of production.