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Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo bans street trading

    Oyo bans street trading

    THE Oyo State government has banned street trading, the Chairman of the Adhoc Committee on the Molete fire, Gbade Lana, has said.

    Lana, who is also the Commissioner for Information, said the government has set up a committee to that effect.

    The committee, headed by the Commissioner for Information, comprises three other commissioners- Trade, Investment and Cooperatives; Environment and Habitat and Physical Planning and Urban Development.

    He said: “Henceforth, street trading by anyone will be met with the appropriate sanctions.

    “I appeal to residents to cooperate with the government by obeying the directive.

    “Similarly, my appeal goes to the opposition not to take political advantage of this administration’s genuine love for people.

    “The committee will build consensus between the government and market leaders to ensure that the law is obeyed. The committee will establish a database of traders as it will assist government to plan effectively for their accommodation.

    “The committee will establish an expanded consultative forum, consisting of local government chairmen, market leaders, security agencies, government officials and other stakeholders.”

     

  • Panic in Oyo community over ritualists’ return

    Residents of Jagun village, Iware in Afijio Local Government area, Oyo State, are living in fear following the sighting of some strange men believed to be ritualists.

    A discovery made by men of Operation Burst at a building within the community also confirmed their suspicions.

    The situation began to build up a few weeks ago when some women, who were spreading cassava flakes on a tarred road in the sun, saw  some strange men coming into the area.

    It was gathered that the women immediately ran away to inform  others  about  the return  of the “ritual murderers.”

    A community leader, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Immediately these women saw the men, they screamed out of fear. The women  left their cassava flakes  by the road side  and ran back to the  town to alert  other  residents. That was how   the community got to know of their arrival. They (the ritualsts) even  threatened to deal with the women if they dare  tell anyone   about  their  arrival  in the  town.”

    But prior  to the  sighting of the “strange men,” security agencies  arrested some men found in possession of human parts at an isolated building  in a bushy  area within the community.

    The men were later  arraigned at a magistrate’s court.

    Despite the arraignment of the alleged ritualists, the people continued to live in fear,  with parents refusing to send their children to the two primary  schools in the community,  : Baptist Primary School, Jagun and Idi-Ope Primary School, Iware.

    Besides, expectant and nursing mothers deserted the only maternity centre at Adio-Jagun for fears of being kidnapped for ritual purposes.

    The residents also began a self-imposed curfew with nobody stepping outside their homes beyond 9pm.

    Following a tip-off, men of the Operation Burst, Oyo Zone  – a special security outfit set up by the government – held a meeting with the residents, assuring them of safety of life and property.

    The men of the security outfit urged the residents to go about their legitimate businesses.

    The day after, the security men stormed the alleged ritualists’ base, searching the building and its vicinity for the criminals.

    Though no one was found, what the security men discovered amazed hundreds of residents, who besieged the place to catch a glimpse.

    The “house of horror,” which wore a new look, has an underground cell, dungeons, deep pits for dumping mutilated human bodies as well as shrines.

    The security outfit thereafter embarked on intensive surveillance of the area day and night to apprehend the masterminds of the “ ritualists’ base.”

    It was learnt that the Caretaker Chairman of the Local Government, Mr. Oluade Olorode, was advised by the Operation Burst to prevail on the government to the demolish the house.

    Some of the elated residents, who spoke with The Nation, praised the men of the outfit for their timely response to the situation, which they said had almost unsettled the community.

    When contacted, Commanding Officer of Operation Burst in the zone, Captain Dominic Ezeoha, said their operations were in strict compliance with the rules establishing it and intelligence directives from the security outfit’s headquarters in Ibadan, the state capital.

  • Oyo, SMEDAN partner to address youth unemployment

    Oyo, SMEDAN partner to address youth unemployment

    The Governor of Oyo State,  Senator Abiola Ajimobi has promised to leverage on the opportunities offered by the  Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) programmes to address the challenges of unemployment and poverty in the state.

    Ajimobi made the remark  during a courtesy visit by Oyo State delegation on SMEDAN management, at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, noted that poverty and escalating unemployment could be attributable to the disturbing security challenges with their consequences on the socio-economic and political vicissitudes.

    He stressed that SMEDAN as government agency responsible for the creation and development of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country, has a crucial role to play in translating the government’s agenda of drastic reduction of unemployment and poverty among Nigerians.

    Governor Ajimobi regretted that in the past, Oyo State government did not take advantage of partnering with SMEDAN to translate some of its programmes that are geared towards fighting youth unemployment and poverty alleviation in the state.

    “I want to assure you that from today Oyo State will be in active partnership and collaboration with SMEDAN in order to derive maximum benefits of your laudable programmes that could positively change the lives of our people,” he said.

    The governor added that even as Oyo lagged behind in partnership between state governments and SMEDAN,  the current efforts of the Ajimobi administration will make Oyo a leading state in partnering with the agency.

    “Henceforth, Oyo State government will participate fully in all SMEDAN programmes so that the state could benefit from the good gesture of empowering the people through creation and developing of  small businesses,” he promised.

    Responding, the Director General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, thanked the entourage for choosing  SMEDAN among government institutions to partner with on enterprise development and youth empowerment.

    ”I am indeed very delighted to have a high powered delegation from a state government in a quest for partnership  and collaboration on job creation. We are ready and capable of collaborating with you to extend the desired dividend of democracy to the people of Oyo State.

    ”The National Enterprises development Programme (NEDEP) and One Local Government , One Project (OLOP) programme have a lot of potentials that will benefit your people; we promise to constantly engage your state so that all the content of NEDEP will be extended to your people.”

  • Oyo Senatorial aspirant vow to deliver service to humanity

    The Oyo Central Senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Tony Ashamu has stated that his interest to contest in 2015 for senatorial seat, is to render services to humanity and not for political advantage.

    The young businessman from Ashamu family in Agbakin lineage, one of the ancestral chieftaincy title in Oyo kingdom also maintained that service to humanity is his family legacy.

    According to him, Ashamu family is a great family in Oyo, Atiba and Ibadan as the family has built schools, Mosques and Churches not fewer than 30 as a service to humanity saying he is contesting to build on these good legacies.

    The senatorial aspirant said his motive to contest for the senatorial seat is not to amass wealth but to represent the youth who have been marginalise in Nigerian politics.

    Said he, “I may be young but I believe I have a lot to offer compared to some older politicians who have nothing to offer the people. But just like Obama of United State of America, I represent the younger generation that is the youths to make impacts that will stand a test of time just like the good works of Late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo that can still be seen and felt till date”.

    He as well took a swipe at the opposition that may be picking hole in Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration saying they are doing this for a selfish motive to mislead the populace for personal advantage.

    “Gov. Ajimobi is a different breed, educated and intelligent though he may not be perfect but criticism from opposition parties must be constructive rather that be towards selfish motive. A new comer into the state will see a lot of transformations by his administration meaning opposition parties supposed to commend him for this”. He said

    On the issue of jumbo pay, Ashamu maintained that it is a welcome development if the fund is disbursed to projects that are to propel development rather than personalizing the money to themselves.

  • Makinde for Oyo governor

    Makinde for Oyo governor

    An engineer, Mr. Seyi Makinde, will on Thursday make a public declaration of his bid for Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.

    The event is billed for the Polo ground in Eleyele.

    According to a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Akeem Azeez, events have been lined up for the declaration.

    The event is expected to attract national and zonal leaders of the party.

    Makinde will also host a special prayer session for 13 pilgrims he is sponsoring to this year’s Hajj at his Omititun House Campaign office, Ibadan.

    The prayer will be led by the Chief Imam, Omi-titun Mosque, Ibadan, Sheik Mojeed Lanase, who is also a beneficiary of the Hajj scheme.

  • Oyo State needs continuity

    SIR: “Ibadan and Oyo State got their names from Wild, Wild, West of the First Republic and that violence continued until recently. I want to commend the governor for ensuring that there is peace in this land and for the development that he has brought to the state. If Oyo State people are appreciative like our people, they will automatically give you a second term”.

    The above was the comment of leading industrialist and elder statesman, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, about the development in Ibadan at the instance of the present administration in Oyo State, during his recent visit to Oyo State to attend the birthday service organized for him at the University of Ibadan.

    The commendation from the Esama of Benin who is not known for sycophancy shows that the state governor, Senator Isiaka Ajimobi has impacted Oyo State and it will not be misdirected if one adds fillip to Igbinedion’s call for continuity in Oyo State.

    Obviously, this will not be an easy task because Ajimobi is not in the good book of some people in the state due to his comportment. Arguably, he his cultured, corporate, formal and elitist. The fact is that, over the years, culture of impunity reigned supreme in the state. Streets and roadside trading, building on the river channels, dumping of refuse in the streams, drainages and on the road sides, culture of violence among the drivers union were notable features. Ajimobi came and put a full stop to all the above. Definitely, his actions have to draw some people’s ire.

    Going down memory lane, Ibadan, the capital was a heap of refuse before Ajimobi’s coming. In actual fact, it was ridiculed as the dirtiest city in Africa, south of Sahara. That has become something of the past. Also, culture of violence amongst the factions of drivers’ union which led to destruction of lives and property, and which defied all solution has been nipped in the bud by Ajimobi.

    Not only that, insecurity in all nooks and crannies of the state, violent armed robbery incidents which were carried out with impunity and led to loss of lives and closure of banks on many occasions have been arrested. Oyo people could now sleep with their two eye firmly closed. Kudos for this goes to Ajimobi for establishing crime bustling security outfit, Operation Burst.

    In addition, is the urban renewal programme which has led to the building of Mokola flyover, the first in 35 years. Fruits of urban renewal policy include road expansion in major cities in the state. The one under construction in Ogbomoso is unprecedented and has given the city a new face.

    As 2015 elections approach, politicians have started awareness campaign and many have been jostling to challenge the incumbent governor. Obviously, very few of the aspirants are worthy of the task, and the few have been tested and their ability known. Others are parvenu and out to make names for themselves; they are not equal to the task. In other not to throw spanner into the good works of the present administration in the state, Oyo people are implored to heed the Esama calls for continuity beyond 2015.

     

     

    • Adewuyi Adegbite,

    Apake, Ogbomoso.

  • Oyo signs MOU on fish production

    The Oyo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a private firm for the development of Asejire Dam as a centre for massive fish production.

    The Ministry of Natural Resources signed the MOU on behalf of the government with Triton Aqua Africa Limited to produce hatchery for tilapia and catfish at the dam.

    Signing the agreement in Ibadan , the State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mr. Fatai Abimbola, disclosed that, the Asejire project would comprise tilapia and catfish production in cages in the water body and in ponds. He added that It would also house a nursery for hatchery operations.

    Abimbola further explained that the firm was already finalising plans for a large scale hatchery for catfish and tilapia with an initial capacity of 10 million fingerlings per year, and which is expandable to 25 million fingerlings per year.

    When the project gets up in full swing, the commissioner said Oyo State would be leading in fish production in Southwest and the country at large.

    “The project is very significant to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the state. It is the baby of the newly created ministry which was carved out of the former Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources by the present administration and it is in line with the intentions of the Governor Ajimobi-led administration to bring development to every sector of the state’s economy

    “The project will generate at least 1,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and more food for the people. Besides, it will generate more revenue to the coffers of the state and I think it is very significant to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the entire people of the state.” Abimbola said

    While assuring the investor of a friendly operating environment before signing the MoU, Abimbola urged the firm to adhere to the terms of the agreement by providing employment opportunity to the youths while also operating in line with best known practices.

    In her welcome address,the Managing Director of  Triton Aqua Africa Limited, Mrs Oby Inuwa, explained that the Asejire Dam project includes an initial capital outlay of around $3 million which will gradually be expanded.

    She said: “We are keen to undertake the aquaculture project across Nigeria and are willing to commit investment of around $60 million in the next five to seven years.

    “We have already set up a commercial scale hatchery in Lagos with a production capacity of two million fingerlings,  We hope to get the production facility at Asejire Dam operational within six to 12 months since all the formalities have been completed.”

    She expressed optimism that the pioneer project would be a a reference point and formidable milestone in the history of aquaculture ventures in Nigeria.

  • No hiding place for importers of banned products in Oyo,says Customs boss

    No hiding place for importers of banned products in Oyo,says Customs boss

    The battle between men of the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) and  smugglers in Oyo state is yielding positive results. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports on the recent seizures of goods worth several millions on naira by a crack team of Customs men in the State.

    It was a moving scene at the Abaja forest, near Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo state, the site of the seizure of smuggled goods made by the Nigeria Customs Service  Oyo/Osun Command last Thursday .

    The villagers along the route to the forest were stunned on seeing the presence of security operatives comprising soldiers, policemen, DSS, men of the Directorate of Civil Defence and Customs officers. The route which was a familiar one to the villagers and smugglers had remained hidden to security men for long until last week when the arrest and seizure was made.

    One of the villagers, an elderly man who gave his name as Kabiru, a Fulani cattle tender confirmed that the narrow path in the forest has been serving as the route for the smugglers for more than 5 years until the discovery by Customs men who acted on a tip-off.

    Kabiru who spoke Yoruba fluently said “this is good for us because of the intimidation we receive every day from the smugglers here. When they are coming mostly in the late hours they crush whoever was found on the way. Our children were always asked to remain indoors when they were passing in convoy because they are very dangerous. We don’t have rest of mind here as we live in fear because of their intimidation”.

    In the Abaja forest, about forty security operatives stood guard to protect the seizure which included forty vehicles and over 2000 bags of rice.

    The smugglers, it was gathered numbered over 100 and were fully armed with sophisticated weapons and assorted charms which were used to confront the Customs officers who had laid a siege in the forest five days before the attack.

    Describing the sound of guns as deafening and frightening the night the smugglers engaged the Customs men in a gun duel, one of the villagers, a farmer, Adesuyi Nasiru praised the security men for their gallantry and pointed out that it was very rare to defeat the smugglers in the area because of their weapons .

    “Now, we have peace in these villages and we can now sleep with our eyes closed unlike before when we live in dread”, Nasiru said.

    The seized items which were displayed before senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service from Abuja headquarters was described as a great feat in recent times.

    The  squad leader, DSC Alajogun Joseph narrated how his team was able to discover to route in the forest and subsequent defeat of the smugglers.

    He said that for over four days his men were in the forest, anxiously waiting for the smugglers with the hope that they would pass as usual.

    According to him, the squad went through many hardships in the forest that had to be endured for many days before we saw the smugglers.

    Alajogun said “we got wind of the smuggling of rice through some informants, and through intelligence gathering for over two weeks. So, when we got information that they were coming in the early hours of Tuesday September 9, 2014, we have already taken our position in the forest and after some shoot out they fled because of our intense fire power”.

    Also, a similar seizure was said to have been made by men of the Customs, which was displayed  last Saturday. The squad intercepted imported poultry products worth over N14million concealed in two trucks, along Bakatari axis of Ibadan-Abeokuta Expressway.

    Addressing newsmen on the seizure on behalf of the Comptroller of the Oyo/Osun command Mr Richard Oteri,  the Deputy Controller of the Command, Mr   Usman Buwa  said the  seizure of the two trucks  carrying poultry product with over 2000 cartons of frozen poultry, was made by a  task force led by Assistant Comptroller Mohammed Adamu Ibrahim on 11 September, 2014 at about 4.30am.

    The seized poultry product, consisting of frozen turkey and chicken, according to the Customs boss was being imported from Brazil into the country before it was intercepted in Ibadan along Bakatari, in Ido local government area of Oyo state by officers of the command.

    He listed reasons why the importation of banned poultry products must be discouraged, stating that poultry product remained on the list of contraband.

    He said:” As we all know, poultry products are contraband and their importation is prohibited by the federal government.

    “The reason behind the ban is to protect local poultry farmers thereby securing employment for the citizenry and consequently facilitate economic growth.

    “Also, consumption of imported poultry products is injuries to health of individuals. This is not only due to period of long storage, but also the chemical used in its preservation and the long distance it covered before coming into this country. “

    For instance, the Customs boss said this particular “seizure is from Brazil, so you can imagine the distance it covered.

    “So, we will continue to advise the general public to stop patronizing imported poultry products, so as to discourage smuggling of imported poultry products,” he stated.

    The seized poultry products were later buried at a dump site in Arapaja Village,  Oluyole local government area of Oyo state before newsmen ,DSS and NAFDAC officials.

    The Controller of the Oyo/Osun Command, Mr Richard Oteri who led officers of the Command and other security personnel into the forest last Thursday , a journey of over four hours ,was optimistic that the war against smuggling would soon be over as the operators of banned imported goods are fast losing the battle.

    Oteri , who commended the crack squad for the wonderful feat said the estimated Duty Paid Value of the 2000 bags of rice is N20million , while the market value of the seizure is N18million.

    “ It is worthy of note to recollect that a similar seizure of twenty one assorted vehicles also loaded with rice was made early last month. The command will continue to engage in aggressive patrol activities in all areas of the command and ensure effective blockage of the entry of all illicit goods.

    “It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. Not even Federal Government’s visible efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production have touched their conscience to avoid rice smuggling”, he said.

    The Customs boss further explained that already the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi has ordered a thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting all those connected with the illegal act, adding that the command remained poised in her resolve to arresting saboteurs and make them face the full wrath of the law.

    He revealed that his men had all what it requires to flush out smugglers because of the incentives from the management of Nigeria Customs Service, coupled with the provision of new patrol vans and ammunition that are more superior than the ones used by the smugglers.

    The Command boss said: “You can see the guns we have are not just guns but automatic AK47 assault rifle. So my men were well kitted. We could not have done anything less, because the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi has indeed raised our morale and we are going to win the war against smuggling . As you can see, there is no hiding place for sabotuers .”

  • Ajimobi promises to leave indelible legacy

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has promised to leave a legacy too difficult to surpass by any administration succeeding him.

    He spoke at his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Ibadan Recreation Club 1902 at Adamasingba, Ibadan.

    The governor listed some of the achievements of his administration as the provision of security, clean environment and infrastructural development.

    Ajimobi added that the achievements have made the state an investors’ destination of choice.

    He said his administration had resuscitated the abandoned Asejire Waterworks.

    The governor added that his administration had fulfilled its promise to place the civil servants on a better salary scale comparable to their counterparts in other Southwest states

    He called on the club’s members to contribute towards the urban renewal policy of the government by maintaining a clean environment within the club house.

  • How Oyo awards contracts, by Ajimobi

    How Oyo awards contracts, by Ajimobi

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has threatened to publish the names of people who got contracts from the  government since 2011 when he assumed office.

    He said this was to determine the percentage of the indigenes who got jobs from the government.

    His threat came on the heels of false claims by the opposition that all contracts in the state were awarded outside and taken to Lagos State, thereby denying indigenes of  the benefit of getting jobs .

    Last week, at the declaration of former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala to contest the 2015 governorship election, he  accused Governor Ajimobi of taking the majority of the contracts to his stooges in Lagos State .

    But, speaking at the Ibadan Recreation Club at the weekend where he (Ajimobi) was made the grand patron of the club established in 1902 by the colonial masters, Ajimobi told the elite class that 95 percent of the contracts so far awarded by his administration were given to the indigenes.

    He said the remaining five  per cent were jobs that could not be handled by local contractors. He threatened to publish the names of the contractors to enable the public see the veracity of his claims.

    The governor said: “These people are ignorant of what we are doing . Some will say they are not giving jobs (contracts) to the people of Oyo State. Let me tell you today that we have given out thousands of jobs,  over 95 percent are given to Oyo State indigenes. If not for the people who pleaded, I have made up my mind to publish the names of Oyo State indigenes who were awarded contracts in the state one by one. Today we have started constructing model schools, any Oyo State indigene who has interest should apply. The contract ranges from N500million to N1.5billion but they will use their fund to kick start, then we will pay them later”.

    He spoke also on the dwindling federal allocation and meagre state resources, which he said inspite of the limited resources his administration, it had continued to provide the needed amenities to the people of the state.

    The governor said: “For a state that gets N4billion every month, our salary and wages bill amounts to N4.6billion every month, ab initio we are running a deficit system and now the allocation has been reduced to N3.6billion. Recently we increased the salaries and wages of workers and the promise I made to the workers that their salary would be higher than that of other states in the Southwest. Today I have fulfil that promise.

    “The teachers have never had it so good, the pensioners have never had it so good. So, what we are saying in essence is that this government is working.