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Tag: Oyo

  • Two remanded for allegedly shooting Customs officials in Oyo

    Two remanded for allegedly shooting Customs officials in Oyo

    Justice A.A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday, November 2, remanded one Lateef Odugbemi and Waliu Oladeji for allegedly attacking and shooting officials of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) Ikeja, Lagos.

    The incident was said to have occurred on the 27th of May 2023 at Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government of Oyo State.

    The suspects were accused of barricading the road and shooting at Customs officers which resulted in some of the Officers sustaining gunshot injuries, firing at a Customs vehicle, assaulting A. O. Ekundayo, a Customs Officer by shooting him in the head, causing him bodily injury, and obstructing Custom official on duty by barricading a road.

    The defendants, who were arraigned on a four-count charge pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The charges marked FHC/IB/78C/2023 read: “That you, Waliu Oladeji ‘M” and Lateef Odugbemi “M” with others at large on or about the 22nd day of May 2023, around Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, conspired among yourselves to commit a felony, to wit: obstructing Customs Officers who were duly engaged in the performance of their lawful duty imposed on them by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 by barricading the Road and shooting at Customs Officers which resulted in some Officers sustaining gunshot injuries and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under the section of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

    “That you, Waliu Oladeji ‘M” and Lateef Odugbemi “M” with others at large on or about the 22d day of May 2023, around Tapa, lbarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fired at Nigeria Customs Service vehicle which was being used for the purpose of enforcing customs and excise laws and thereby committed an offence contrary to, and punishable under section 226(6) of the Nig ria Customs Service Act, 2023.”

    “Waliu Oladeji ‘M” and Lateef Odugbemi “M” with others at large on or a’ the 22hd day of May 2023, around Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did assault A. O. Ekundayo, a Customs Officer, who was duly engaged in the performance of his lawful duty imposed on him by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, by shooting him in the head which caused him bodily injury and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 239(2) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”

    “That you, Waliu Oladeji ‘M” and Lateef Odugbemi “M” with others at large on or about the 221d day of May 2023, around Tapa, Ibarapa North Local

    Government Area, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, did obstruct Customs Officers who were duly engaged in the performance of their lawful duty imposed on them by Nigeria

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    Customs Service Act 2023 by barricading the road and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24(3)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”

    Justice Okeke adjourned the matter to the 24th and 25th of January, 2024 for hearing, saying the defendants should be remanded in a correctional centre within the jurisdiction of the court.

    Meanwhile, the NCS Director, Legal Services/Legal Adviser, Smart Akande said Customs is okay with the adjournment, saying though an application has been made by the defendants to be granted bail but he has filed a counter affidavit opposing the bail.

    He however said he believed the defendants should not be granted bail but it is within the decision of the court either to grant the bail or not.

    In their remarks, counsel to the first and second defendants, Akeem Okelola and Olawale Sonibare argued that before a suspect could be taken to court, he/she must be aware of his offence or charges against him which NCS failed to do, adding that it was already late before they were served the amended charge.

  • Oyo celebrates outstanding students, education stakeholders

    Oyo celebrates outstanding students, education stakeholders

    The Oyo State Government on Tuesday in Ibadan honoured some outstanding students, old students’ associations and other stakeholders in the state’s education sector.

    The awardees were honoured with plaques of recognition by Governor Seyi Makinde at the maiden edition of the Oyo State Education Awareness Day 2023.

    Makinde, at the event, organised by the state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said education would continue to remain important to his administration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised to celebrate the outstanding performances of students in various examinations and international competitions.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Bayo Lawal, lauded the contributions of old students’ associations, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) towards the growth and development of education in the state.

    He charged parents to be united in the academic, moral and social upbringing of their children, and doing so in tune with the managers of education in the state.

    “Pupils and students being celebrated today cannot have their achievements if their parental background is faulty. Parents are kindly urged to be united so that products from families can remain future leaders.

    “Education will maintain an active focus of our administration without exception.

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    “The celebration of excellence in the lives of our students remains our focus. Teachers that are diligent in doing their work in the state will also be recognised,” Makinde said.

    The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, had earlier said the programme aimed at recognising and appreciating the special efforts and talents of students and other stakeholders.

    Adelabu, while describing the event as an encouragement for all, said the state government had maintained an annual provision of between 15 to 20 per cent of its budget for education.

    He said this has resulted in an all-round improvement and delivery of qualitative education in the state.

    “Oyo State Government is investing in both the infrastructure and human capital development of its indigenes.

    “Attainment of the state’s educational goals is increasing, and our parents, guardians and school administrators are all kindly enjoined not to relent in their efforts so that, at another occasion, our achievements will be more,” the commissioner said.

    In his response, Mr Ayodeji Solanke, a representative of one of the old students’ associations which received awards, appreciated the initiative, believing it would serve as an impetus to do more.

    Solanke, who is the Vice-President, Methodist High School Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (MHSIOBA), said the association would not rest on its oars.

    “We shall scale up what we are today being appreciated for.

    And, sincerely, this is an award for all the old boys of the school,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Master Olusegun Akinwola, the Best Candidate, 2019 National Examinations Council (NECO), from Orita-Mefa Baptist Model School in Ibadan, charged students to be hardworking.

    He said they should see possibilities in their aspirations through commitment and prayers.

  • JUST IN: Oyo parliamentary workers shut Assembly gate

    JUST IN: Oyo parliamentary workers shut Assembly gate

    Staff and workers of Oyo Assembly under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on Monday shut the entrance gate of the Assembly complex.

    The workers, who mounted a roadblock at the entrance, were seen dancing to music oozing from the DJ.

    The workers said the move was in compliance with the national directive of the association who called for a nationwide strike over the non- implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures.

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    The mild protest however did not disrupt activities within the Oyo Secretariat as visitors and workers are going about their normal duties.

    Details shortly…

  • Oyo senator distributes fertilizers to constituents

    Oyo senator distributes fertilizers to constituents

    Oyo Central Senator, Dr. Yunus Akintunde has distributed fertilizers across the 118 wards in the 11 local government areas.

    The distribution which took place at the senatorial office of the lawmaker, saw beneficiaries which included members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim communities, farmers, as well as party members, beaming with smiles. 

    Represented at the event by Hon. Yinka Folarin, Akintunde said the distribution was in line with the programme of president Bola Tinubu on agriculture. He added that the distribution was just a tip of the iceberg as more is coming.

    “Remember I engaged in some rounds of empowerment when I was seeking your votes and even before I had the ambition. And I even promised during the campaign to do more. So it is the turn of you farmers today.

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    “In the last few months that we have been inaugurated, we have done best. We just decided to distribute this fertilizer because we are in the raining season and farmers would need it for the planting season. We pray it works wonder. ‘

    “This won’t be the last. We have lined up some other empowerment projects that you will see in the next few days,” he added. 

    Opening the floodgates of commendations, a former chairman of AFIJIO local government, Hon. Samuel Olorode commended Akintunde, advising beneficiaries against selling but to use for what it was meant for. 

    Hon. Mutairu Adegboyega, a former chairman of Oyo East local government, said he had no doubt when campaigning for Akintunde that he was going to do well, expressing optimism that other segments of the society would also benefit from the lawmaker. 

    A two-term former member of the Oyo Assembly, Murphy Adigun corroborated other speakers, assuring members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, across the state to be focused.

    The women leader of the APC in Oyo East local government, Alhaja Kehinde Adebimpe thanked the senator, saying that “he has started what he promised us. He shouldn’t forget women too. We know he won’t fail us. We are grateful for the gesture.”

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke after the distribution commended Akintunde, who chairs the senate committee on environment for what they described as a timely intervention.

    “We farmers face a lot of problems in getting fertilizers. These things have been scarce for months. And that is because of the exchange rate that has continued to go up.

    “We have money but we cannot get to buy. What we used to buy three bags before can only get a bag. So the senator coming up with is a succor to us. We will never forget him. This is better than any other thing to a farmer,” one of them added. 

     At the event were chieftains of the APC in the 11 local government areas, representatives of religious and community association as well as farmer groups.

  • Oyo evacuates 359 illegal structures, shanties in Ibadan public schools

    Oyo evacuates 359 illegal structures, shanties in Ibadan public schools

    No fewer than Three Hundred and Fifty-nine illegal structures and shanties shielding public primary and secondary school premises within the Ibadan metropolis have been evacuated by the Oyo state government.

    The state commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola said this was part of the government’s commitment towards bringing back sanity to school premises across the state.

    The commissioner had about two months ago directed the issuance of eviction letters to owners of the structures which were dispatched through the principals and heads of the affected schools.

    The eviction notices were also directly issued to owners of the illegal shops, shanties, and structures, which were acknowledged by them.

    Mogbonjubola assured the readiness of the government to remove all impediments capable of distractions around school premises towards a more conducive learning environment in the state.

    He said: “We would not rest on our oars until sanity is maintained…every student stands to learn better and maximize his/her potential, only if the learning environment is favourable, the present administration of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, will never look away from this reality”.

    “Consequently, about forty-five schools, where the illegal structures were feasibly erected, now wear better looks.

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    “Schools around Ode Aje, Orita Aperin, especially, IMG, Ode Aje; Islamic Primary and Secondary Schools; IMG Olubadan Basic Schools 1, 2 and 3, Orita Aperin; Government Technical College,  Orita Aperin; Christ Church High school; United Mission College Demonstration School 1, Molete; IDC Basic School, Adobe; St. Stephen’s Primary School, Alegongo; Community High School Alegongo.”

    “Also Issabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Orita Basorun; St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Yanbule; Methodist Grammar School Bodija; Emmanuel College, U.I, and a host of others were sanitized.”

    The commissioner, however, warned owners of the illegal shanties against further occupation of the school premises to avoid facing the wrath of Oyo State Environmental laws.

    Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde had during one of his night inspections in the Ibadan metropolis discovered arrays of shanties and illegal structures overshadowing most schools and their fences, a situation he described as highly disgusting and inappropriate.

  • Oyo warns school principals, teachers against fee collection

    Oyo warns school principals, teachers against fee collection

    The Oyo State Government has warned principals and teachers in public schools collecting illegal fees to desist, saying whoever caught in the act will not go unpunished.

    The government described the act as illegal, saying its policy on education is free from primary to secondary level in all public schools across the state.

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu urged parents and guardians not to pay any fee to principals or teachers but report anyone who might request or ask them for payment at the ministry.

    He said any principal or teacher found guilty will be seriously dealt with, adding that they have been warned during a stakeholders meeting before school resumes.

    According to him: “As regards the collection of illegal fees, we cannot run away from bad eggs among our teachers, we have been hearing this rumor, I call it a rumor because we have been hunting for school principals and teachers that are collecting levies from our students.”

    “In fact, some Zonal Inspectorate Education Officers, (ZIE), our PS; inspector General of  Education have been disguising in schools with money to pay such illegal fees when there is a red flag that; in this school, they are collecting illegal fee, I think I can mention two or three of such.”

     “There was a radio programme some time ago that they were collecting illegal fees in one of the secondary schools in Iseyin, They tagged the fee as ‘IFINKO’, so we quickly called the PS, IGE in charge of that zone, he conducted a search, and he discovered that nothing of such happened.

    “There was another incident in Ido we were trying to at least get one or two as a scapegoat, until now, we are unable to get a result.

    “We are not resting on our oars because we have stumbled on one, and we are seriously working to unravel the truth of the matter, if we can get it, if that information is correct, that particular teacher will definitely be queried and is going to face the panel, so, all our teachers should be very careful.”

    He said parents should know that education is free in Oyo state, saying no school, no head of school should demand a dime.

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    He added: “They should not pay them, when such happened they should, please contact the Ministry of Education in

    Oyo state. If they cannot come over, we have all our LIEs (Local inspector of Education, we have our PS: Inspector General of Education, they should please contact them, and they should let us know.

    “We have been carrying out what I called sting operation, we are going to schools to find out what type of fee or levy they are collecting from students. 

    We’ve not been able to get so much of them, but In the public domain, we are hearing rumors, we are receiving WhatsApp messages, but we have not been able to at least get one or two of them.”

    ‘We are still looking for them, you too can help us, if you know of any school, just get in touch with us.”

  • Court jails Oyo civil servant over N600,000 fraud

    Court jails Oyo civil servant over N600,000 fraud

    Magistrate Taiwo Oladiran of the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iwo Road, Ibadan on Friday, October 20, convicted one Adeleke Mary of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands to a year of imprisonment over corruption.

    The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) secured the conviction of Adeleke after it had investigated a case submitted against her by a victim from whom she dubiously collected the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000.00).

    The court also ordered the convict to refund the money to the victim within a month.

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    A statement by OYACA chairman, Justice Eni Esan stated that Adeleke was investigated by the agency and found culpable before her case file was handed over to the State’s Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

    It read: “The Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iwo Road, Ibadan, Presided over by Magistrate Taiwo Oladiran (CM1) convicted today, Adeleke Ronke Mary, a civil servant of the Ministry of Lands for official corruption under Section 22 of the OYACA Law and the court sentenced her to a year term of imprisonment.

    “Also, the court ordered the convict to refund the sum of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) collected from the victim within one month. Adeleke Ronke Mary has since been handed over to the officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”

    Justice Eni Esan, however, said OYACA in its commitment towards zero tolerance for corruption within the public service in Oyo state is ready to rid the state of all forms of corrupt practices and to ensure that justice is served in all cases of corruption within Oyo state.

  • Oyo seals illegal health facilities, vows to end quackery

    Oyo seals illegal health facilities, vows to end quackery

    The Oyo state government has sealed two private hospitals in Oyo town, over quackery and other illegalities.

    The hospitals sealed by the State Hospital Monitoring Task Force were Wise and Pearl Hospital Limited, Akeetan-Tuntun, and Living Stone Clinic and Maternity, Idi-Ose, Alaafin High School, Oyo.

    The coordinator of the Task Force, Wale Falana, while speaking shortly after the exercise, said the move was part of the efforts of the state government to get rid of quackery and other atrocities done by some individuals in the health sector.

    Falana, who is also the Director of Secondary Health Care, at the Ministry of Health, disclosed that the government will continue to wage war against all forms of illegalities in private hospitals and clinics to ensure residents have access to quality health care.

    He explained that Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is passionate about the well-being of every individual; hence, there is a need for private health facilities to comply with best practices and abide by the rules laid down by the Oyo state government.

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    Falana warned proprietors of health facilities in the state that are yet to get approval from the government to do what is necessary without further delay or face sanction.

    He expressed displeasure over irregularities in the conduct of the concerned hospitals, noting that patients under their care were at high risk.

    Falana urged residents of the state to be mindful and conscious of health facilities they patronize for treatment to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

    He said: “Quackery is a serious issue. These people are doing surgeries, some are even in training, have accommodation for trainees, and you can see the owner of one of the places visited ran away.

    “This monitoring is part of efforts Ministry of Health and the government to get rid of quackery, we are going to continue, and it will be regularly.

    “The present administration is trying to correct the wrongs perpetrated by some people. Therefore, we appeal to medical practitioners to put their licences in their facilities. “

    “Residents are also advised to ask for annual practising licenses collected from the government by health facilities if they are to go to private clinics or hospitals for treatment.

    “Residents can key into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, it doesn’t cost much and it is safe.

    “There is a normal standard for the opening of hospitals, they can come to the Ministry of Health for inquiries on this, but we don’t have room for quackery practices in Oyo state.”

    The hospital monitoring team found two other private hospitals worthwhile, while the remaining two out of the six health facilities visited during the tour were advised to work on identified issues within the shortest possible time.

  • Protest: Oyo meets student union leaders, promises more youth empowerment

    Protest: Oyo meets student union leaders, promises more youth empowerment

    Following a recent student union protest in Ibadan, the Oyo state government convened a meeting with leaders from various student organizations on Tuesday, October 17.

    Wasilat Adegoke, the commissioner for Youth and Sports, who presided over the meeting, described the interaction as inspiring as she emphasized the government’s commitment to reinvigorating its relationship with students in the state.

    The commissioner assured that the governor, in his consistent manner, would uphold the commitments made to students.

    She highlighted that the governor regards students as essential contributors to the advancement of his administration, pledging to utilize her position to expedite the students’ requests and concerns within the government.

    Adegoke praised the proactive stance of the student leaders and commended their willingness to engage with her office.

    She emphasized the current government’s dedication to youth empowerment and social justice, highlighting their commitment to providing accessible, quality education and ample opportunities across all sectors for the youth.

    The commissioner reassured the student leaders that she would raise their demands with the governor and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to expedite their resolution.

    Among the students’ requests to the governor were the appointment of a Special Assistant on Student Matters, approval for the distribution of promised student buses, and the reactivation of the students’ bursary scheme.

    Also, the students requested the approval and release of students’ palliative to cushion the effect of subsidy removal and improvement of school facilities including lighting up all school campuses.

    Earlier at the meeting, the Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Zone D, Comrade Adegoke Ridwan commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s giant strides on developmental projects in the state.

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    He equally pledged their unquestionable and continuous support for the governor.

    The student body leaders also congratulated the new Youth and Sports Commissioner, Adegoke on her appointment, urging her to identify with students in the state and operate an open-door policy.

    The student bodies that visited the Commissioner were the Federation of Oyo State Students Union, FOSSU; the National Council, the Federation Of Ibadan Students Union (FIBSU); the Federation Of Ibarapa Students Association (FIBSA); the Federation Of Ogbomoso Students Union (FOGSU); National Association Of Okeogun Students (NAOOS); and National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS).

    Others include the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS); Oyo state JCC as well as various student union presidents in Oyo state.

  • Oyo state govt partners agric firm to boost economy, food availability

    Oyo state govt partners agric firm to boost economy, food availability

    The Oyo State government has expressed its readiness to partner with Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited to advance agricultural growth in the state, boost the economy as well as making food available not only to the people of the state but to all Nigerians.

    The Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde made this promise when he visited both farms where it has produced quality Day-Old Chicks of Layer, Broiler, Noiler, and Point of Lay Pullets.

    Meanwhile, the Governor has promised to improve the electricity supply in the area and construct the Akinyele roads to create improved access for the distribution of agricultural products across borders.

    Makinde commended management of the hatchery farm for its approach to agricultural advancement with its processing plant and farm in the state. He said the approach adopted by the farm had aligned with the government’s move in advancing agricultural growth in the state.

    According to Makinde, the company’s empowerment and job creation initiatives for rural women through chicken poultry is unparalleled as it has helped in improving their living standards and would partner with the farm to further strengthen its drive to make animal protein available, not only in Oyo state but across the country.

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    On his own part, Dr. Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness and International Co-operation and Development, said the company’s investment in agriculture was massive and called for effective partnership, considering the Amo farm’s significant contribution to the economy of Oyo state.

    Responding, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, the Group Managing Director of the farm said he was very elated about the Governor’s visit because of his personality, charisma, intellect, the hard work he had brought into governance in the state, adding that the move was to explore avenues of collaboration between his company and the state.

    He disclosed that Amo farm produces a million-day-old chicks a week while the company plans to raise the production by over 30 percent on a year-on-year basis.  He added that the idea behind the company’s huge investment was to develop a world-class business with skills that would meet the growing requirement for animal protein which is very nutritious and essential for the body.

    The managing director said this had prompted the company’s empowerment of over 1.3 million rural households with the innovative bird, Noiler, with emphasis on women. “With this, we have laid a solid foundation that could be multiplied to spread across the whole of the country, and even the rest of Africa”, Oduntan expressed 

    To further enhance the standard of living of the average Nigerian, the managing director said that the company aimed at putting 20 Noiler birds in 2.5 million households by 2025 through strategic partnerships.

    According to him, the indigenous, world-class company, a national company with a Hatchery in Owerri, and feed mill in Jos was positioned to improve rural protein consumption and create a sustainable source of income for rural women in Nigeria and Africa in general, who engage in small-scale farming, especially with the Noiler bird which he informed was launched in 2014 after several years of research and development.

    “Noiler is a genetically improved dual-purpose chicken breed that is similar in looks and taste to the native chicken, but is resistant to diseases, and produces four times more eggs and three times more meat.

    Like its eggs, which are very nutritious for all age demographics, the Noiler’s meat contains all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fats and cholesterol”, Oduntan stated.

    He said that the company had one of its abattoirs at Akinyele, with others in Uyo and Kaduna for its natnudO brand for ready-to-eat and cook products. He also informed that the automated chicken processing plant where chickens were processed, packaged, and branded as natnudO Foods, were made available across Nigeria.

    Also, at the Awe farm, are the various chicken sites, the hatchery sections with day-old chicks, the egg units, and other parts.

    He said that Amo farm was the first to adopt artificial insemination in Day-Old chick production which according him had improved productivity in the sector.