The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo begins distribution of appointment letters to 5,600 new teachers Monday

    Oyo begins distribution of appointment letters to 5,600 new teachers Monday

    The Oyo State Government has said that the distribution of letters of appointment to 5,600 newly recruited basic school teachers in the state will begin on Monday, January 6, 2025.

    The distribution exercise will take place at Local government Universal Basic Education Authorities, (LGUBEAs) situated in all local government areas across Oyo state.

    The Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran gave the hint on Friday during a meeting with Education Secretaries in Ibadan. 

    Dr. Adeniran charged the new teachers to be innovative and embrace modern techniques and approach in imparting knowledge.

    Adeniran, who restated the Board’s zero tolerance for examination malpractices, said the new teachers’ appointments take effect from January 1st, 2025.

    He, however, noted that about 12 local governments are overbloated with teachers, while some local governments are understaffed, saying a redistribution will be done to ensure equity and justice.

    Dr. Adeniran urged the newly recruited teachers to display patriotic commitment, high level of integrity, and professional diligence to your duties.

    He said, “As young teachers, you are expected to be creative, adaptive, talented, and progressive. We urge you to be innovative, I therefore urge you to be the teacher for this age and the game-changing teacher for the future.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Oyo speaker empowers over 1000 constituents

    “You will be expected to be part of our dream for the revolutionalize the basic education sub-sector.

    “This is yet another testimony in our quest to reposition basic education in Oyo State in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s campaign promises to our people, especially in the rural areas, many of which, have shortage of teachers as a result of retirements and other issues.

    “The first batch of 5,600 newly recruited teachers out of 7,000 who were successful after the rigorous recruitment processes will receive their letters from Monday.”

    Dr. Adeniran added that Teachers under the category of People With Disabilities, and applicants for the position of Caregivers are to visit the Board headquarters, Agodi for collection of their appointment letters.

    Adeniran also disclosed that the Seyi Makinde government has paid N2.5 Billion as counterpart fund for the 2022 & 2023 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, to enable basic schools and junior secondary schools to continue enjoying unhindered infrastructural development.

    While congratulating the new teachers, the Chairman advised them to demonstrate the highest level of professional ethics, urging them not to fail in their professional code of conduct as teachers.

    The Chairman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the appointment to fill vacant positions in the education industry, stating that his intervention in the sub-sector has placed Oyo in the forefront among its peers.

  • Police nab suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, others in Oyo

    Police nab suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, others in Oyo

    The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, car hijackers, and other criminals across various parts of the state. 

    In addition to the arrests, the police recovered weapons and stolen goods worth millions of naira.

    Parading the suspects at the Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the state Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, attributed the breakthrough to a series of intelligence-led operations. 

    He highlighted the Command’s achievements in crime prevention and law enforcement since he assumed office in June 2024.

    Among those paraded were members of a kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorizing Ashipa community in Atiba Local Government Area.

    Sonubi recounted an incident on November 9, 2024, when armed suspects invaded Ashipa village, targeting specific individuals for abduction. 

    The suspects, armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly killed victims who resisted. 

    Two suspects were arrested by local vigilantes and handed over to the police.

    Read Also: Imo community decry alleged extortion, harassment of youths by security personnel

    The Command also paraded a suspected armed robber linked to multiple violent robberies in Eruwa, Oyo, and Ibadan metropolis.

    Recovered items on display included stolen vehicles, electronics, firearms, cutlasses, and ammunition seized during raids.

    Commissioner Sonubi praised his officers’ dedication and urged residents to remain vigilant, providing timely information to security agencies. 

    He assured the public that the suspects would face justice.

    Since June, the Command has arrested 153 armed robbery suspects, recovered 12 stolen vehicles and 12 motorcycles/tricycles, and seized 48 firearms along with 1,396 rounds of ammunition.

  • Oyo CJ advocates inter-governmental collaboration for justice delivery

    Oyo CJ advocates inter-governmental collaboration for justice delivery

    The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, has emphasised the importance of collaboration among government arms to ensure prompt and effective justice delivery in the state.

    Justice Yerima noted that an efficient case management system would enhance coordination and improve efficiency among the state judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.

    She made the remarks during the inauguration of the Oyo State Project Advisory Committee for Court Administration and Case Management Project, held at the State High Court Conference Room, Ring Road, Ibadan.

    The initiative is a joint effort between the Oyo State judiciary and the Public Private Development Centre to streamline justice administration.

    The Oyo CJ explained that the project is a collective resolve of the affected arms of government to create a justice system that serves the society efficiently and effectively.

    The newly inaugurated committee, according to her would address the capacity and infrastructure deficit the criminal justice institutions by providing modern tools, technology, and training to improve their operations. 

    Justice Yerima said, “Justice is more than a principle; it is the foundation and lifeblood of a society that aspires fairness, equity, and progress in a society”

    “It will interest you to know that this initiative include Judges, Court Registrars, Secretaries, Investigators, Prosecutors, Private Lawyers, Correctional Institutions, the Police force and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, among others.

    “It will also deploy improved case management systems designed to foster better coordination and efficiency among the State Judiciary, Law Enforcement Agencies, and other Justice- Related Institutions. 

    “The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement programme are committed to advancing justice delivery which aligns with our shared objectives of a robust criminal justice system”

    “The inauguration is not merely about the launch of a project, but a reinforcement of our pledge to uphold the rule of law.

    “As we embark on this journey, we must remember that the strength of any justice system lies not only in its structures and processes but also in the dedication and integrity of the individuals, that is, judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector who serve therein. 

    “I urge all stakeholders to embrace this initiative with a spirit of collaboration and commitment, working together to ensure its objectives are achieved”

    Giving a brief of the Project, Lukman Adefolahan stated that there are four components of the project which includes, evidence management, digitalization of Court system, notification and rescheduling of court process and coordination with other Justice sectors.

    He said, “The first component of the project, is evidence management by arranging number of case files and put them in modern filling facility. After that we are going to work closely with Litigation Department to set up what will call a platform that’s e_format whereby as cases are coming you will be able to directly plug in into that portal, and my Lord, anywhere in the world, 

    “Another component of the project is to dwell on digitalization of our Court system whereby we are going to install what we call Speech to Text facility. 

    “We want our Judges to stop writing. When we went to Nasarawa State, a Judge told us that are you sure this thing is going to work? We said My Lord it is going to work. The day we installed it, for my Lord in Nasarawa State, and also at the Court 2, of Nasarawa State, and we demonstrated it, my Lord Justice Aboki was surprised that during his time, he is going to witness this, that he saw last in UAE. 

    “The third component is going to do with notification and scheduling. We don’t want a situation whereby member of NBA will come to Court and say my Lord is not sitting. If a Court will not sit, they are going to link it at a process unit whereby they will notify parties that Court will not sit today, and that will help the Correction not to waste their resources that are not enough to bring somebody from Saki to Ibadan, for example, and they will say sorry, Court is not sitting, we are going to work around that. 

    “The fourth component is around coordination with other justice sector. We are going to set up virtual Court system at Correctional facilities, whereby my Lord can sit in her Court and link up at the cases at the Correctional facilities.”

  • Christmas: Makinde’s wife counsels Oyo children on heart of giving

    Christmas: Makinde’s wife counsels Oyo children on heart of giving

    The wife of Oyo state governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde has counselled children in the state on importance of having a giving heart particularly during this Christmas period.

    She emphasised that spirit of Christmas is not just about receiving gifts but also about sharing love and kindness with those in need.

    Speaking in Ibadan while playing host to children at 2024 Christmas party, Mrs Makinde said every child has power to make difference no matter how small their actions may seem. 

    According to her, by fostering a sense of responsibility and care for their neighbors, she hopes to inspire the next generation to become active participants.

    She said: “Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who demonstrated kindness and compassion during his lifetime, Christmas is a season of love, joy and peace. 

    “We are here today to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our children here today are leaders of today.

    “I want to urged you to embrace the value of honesty, hardwork and try to be a better version of yourself, take correction from your parents and listen to your guardians, do your best to improve yourself everyday.

    “Be kind, every heart of kindness can make a difference, no matter how small it is. As we celebrate Christmas, let us extend helping hands to those in needs and show love to the less privileges.”

    The enthusiasm displayed by the children was a testament to the effectiveness of Mrs Makinde’s message, as they left the event feeling motivated to make a positive impact in their communities.

    Mrs Makinde’s initiative not only inspired the young participants but also served as a reminder to the entire community about the true meaning of Christmas.

  • Oyo tragedy: Ebonyi cancels Makinde’s birthday lecture

    Oyo tragedy: Ebonyi cancels Makinde’s birthday lecture

    Leaders of Ebonyi State and the Southeast region on Thursday cancelled the birthday lecture for Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State due to the tragedy that claimed the lives of over 30 children on Wednesday. 

    The event organisers announced the cancellation at the venue in Abakaliki, the capital of the state, to guests who had gathered for the event. 

    Makinde and his Ebonyi counterpart, Francis Nwifuru, were scheduled to attend the event. 

    The event, themed “Igbo Culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba, the Oluseyi Makinde paradigm,” featuring Senator Ben Obi as guest lecturer, was, however, postponed indefinitely because of the tragedy in Makinde’s state. 

    A children’s end-of-the-year funfair had ended in tragedy in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. 

    A stampede at the venue of the event led to the death of more than 30, mostly children. 

    The event was organised by Women in Need of Guidance and Support, whose founder is believed to be Queen Naomi Silekunola — the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. 

    Chairman of the event, Senator Sam Egwu, and Chief Organiser, Ali Odefa, spoke to the guests at the event, after which a one-minute silence was observed in honour of the victims. 

    Ali Odefa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that the Governor and Oyo State cannot be mourning while the event goes on. 

    He said: “My friend had prepared to come here and be with us today. In fact, he sent an advance team two days ago. The advance team has been here, and the Chief of Staff was here two days ago. 

    “But when this incident occurred, there was no way a state could be mourning; some families, because of this incident, do not know the meaning of Christmas anymore. 

    “They cannot be crying while we are dancing and rejoicing. So, it is painful, it is sad, but that’s the reality. 

    He said the leaders at the event met and took the decision to postpone it. 

    “The leaders have met. If you look at this place, you will see that this is a gathering of Igbo leaders, non-partisan. We are not talking about party A or party B. These are a collection of Igbo leaders sitting here. So, we have decided to cancel the event for today and shift it to another time. 

    “We will inform you of the date when that one has been fixed. And we will make efforts to bring all of you together again, particularly this beautiful choir group. They would have given you some renditions that you will remember for a long time. 

    “So, I want to appreciate everybody who has left whatever they were doing to be present here today. I cannot thank you enough. All these leaders have one thing or another they would have been doing in their various places. 

    “But they left it and came here to join me and one of my friends. I also want to thank my group. I have been attending all of your meetings,” he said. 

    Senator Sam Egwu, who would have chaired the event, also mourned the deaths of the children and commiserated with the families, the governor, and the people of Oyo State over the tragedy. 

    “This event was to honour the Governor of Oyo State, but unfortunately, we can see he is not here with us. Together with the host governor, this is due to the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday. 

    “You must have all heard that more than 30 children lost their lives due to a stampede that took place yesterday in Oyo. 

    “Because of a function, a student function that was organised as part of the Christmas activity. Unfortunately, there was a stampede, and as I am speaking to you, more than 30 children have been confirmed dead. 

    “So because of what has happened, the celebrant and others are not here. And we, as leaders, in consultation with Chief Odefa and his wife, have decided to cancel the function. 

    Read Also: Christmas: Makinde’s wife distributes food, cash gifts to women

    “It would not be right to hold a function when the chief celebrant, the person we have gathered for, is mourning. 

    “It is also not right that parents who lost their children are mourning and crying while we are here celebrating. And because of that, we feel that the people who lost their lives are Nigerians. 

    “The parents of these children are mourning. Nigerians are mourning. And our brother, for whom we are here, is also mourning. We wish to mourn with him. 

    “We want to mourn with the people and the government of Oyo State. Because the Bible says when your brother is mourning, you should mourn with him. So, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is because of this that we have decided that this function has to be cancelled temporarily until further notice. 

    “I wish to thank all of you who are here, but you see what has happened is beyond our control. And as people who have sympathy for our fellow human beings, we have decided to stand this down. 

    On this note, I want to thank you for coming. I want to call on us all to stand up for a one-minute silence in honour of the people who have lost their lives,” Egwu said.

  • Verification of 3,000 property owners begins in Oyo

    Verification of 3,000 property owners begins in Oyo

    Oyo State Government has begun re-verification for property owners/claimants affected by the acquisition of land on the first segment of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, covering Alago to Ajota.

    The exercise, which started on Sunday, is expected to continue till Saturday at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.

    It aims to capture about 3,000 property owners and claimants affected on the axis.

    The Chairman of the monitoring team on the payment of compensation to property owners/claimants affected on the axis, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), said the exercise aimed to capture the data of claimants and ensure compensations were paid to the rightful property owners/claimants.

    Read Also: Oyo holds stakeholders’ forum on continental free trade

    Odukoya, who addressed the affected property owners/claimants from Alago to Ajota, said Governor Seyi Makinde desired that the exercise was carried out promptly so that property owners could get their compensations in time, adding that the governor did not want claimants to suffer or wait unduly to get their compensations.

    He said: “The documents required are NIN, documents relating to the land for those that have clubs and those that have buildings. They should also have receipts of purchase, survey documents and any other document to back up the claims that they own the land.’’

    Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, who is also a member of the monitoring team, says the exercise is free, urging affected property owners/claimants not to go through any intermediary, as the state government has not set up any accredited agent or agencies to act on its behalf.

  • Police apprehend 15 suspected cultists, armed robbers in Oyo

    Police apprehend 15 suspected cultists, armed robbers in Oyo

    The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended 15 suspected cultists and armed robbers in Ibadan and its environs.

    Items recovered during the arrest include five inscribed cultism jackets, three Dane guns, one locally made pistol, one locally made cut-to-size gun, one long barrel gun, a Toyota Camry with registration number KTU 41 JH, one red cloth, a powder blue beret with inscriptions, and three cutlasses, among other items.

    Speaking while parading the suspects at the Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, stated that cultism and other criminal activities have become a major concern for the police in the state.

    He noted that the Command has received disturbing reports of cult-related activities in some parts of Ibadan, particularly around Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monathan, Ojoo, Samonda, and Sango areas.

    He said: “As we all know, cultism poses a significant threat to public safety, hence the Oyo State Police Command’s strategic interventions to counteract and diffuse the sinister trend first through; intelligence gathering, advocacy campaigns, designated stakeholders’ meetings and then afterwards regular intelligence-led raids to prevent the spread of further blood-letting in our beloved State.

    “Ongoing Investigations have revealed that these experiences of cult-related violence are retaliatory driven embedded with components of the quest for absolute dominance by these sinister Cult groups against their rivals.”

    Read Also: Police rescue 11, recover 20 bodies in Benue boat accident

    He urged parents, guardians, and leaders to prevail on their children, wards, and followers against Cultism as the Command would not relent in ensuring that any individual or group who distorts the relative tranquility of the state faces the full wrath of the law.

    He, however, said the period in view, residents will witness, high-level visibility policing, coordinated stop and searches, and intelligence-led raids to assert Police presence as the lead agency in matters of internal security from time to time.

    “It is worthy to note that the Oyo state police command under my watch has increased the level of supervision of our field officers, particularly those in the junior cadre to prevent cases of professional misconduct, incivilities, and extortion during this period.”

  • Oyo holds stakeholders’ forum on continental free trade

    Oyo holds stakeholders’ forum on continental free trade

    The Oyo State government is set to organise a stakeholders’ consultative forum to promote trade and investment in the state.

    The consultative stakeholders’ forum, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, is part of the state’s efforts to attract international investors, expand its economy, and bridge the gap between local and international traders in continental free trade.

    The coordinator of the Stakeholders Forum and member of the Organising Committee, Chief Abiola Alli made the disclosure at a pre-event press conference at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan on Monday.

    He said the consultative forum is in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.

    He noted that the forum would help to address some of the trade policies in the state and also serve as an avenue to boost the internally generated revenue and attract foreign exchange.

    Alli, who noted that the Oyo State Government is among a few states that have keyed into the business opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), added that the AfCFTA would project the state to other countries on the continent for more business partnerships.

    He said about 36 representatives of African embassies would participate in the forum, while traders, farmers, policymakers, and development partners are also expected.

    He called on residents of the state to attend the consultative stakeholders’ forum to add value to their businesses.

    Alli said: “We intend to hold a consultative forum and the whole idea is that if you want to comply with AfCFTA, and want to come up with a strategy, you need to relate with the stakeholders.

    “So, we have invited the stakeholders to this particular event and we have the traders who are going to be the core drivers of this strategy. We have people from the formal sector and the policymakers, who are also going to be part of us.

    “We also have development partners from the AfDB. We have people that are readily going to make things work and all of these people are going to be there.

    Read Also: Oyo First Lady debunked rumor of alleged disrespect by Makinde’s aide

    “At the event, we are going to have panel discussions. We have six panels that are going to discuss, because we want to craft out a strategy for AfCFTA and a number of topics are going to be discussed. Some people will discuss how prepared the Oyo State Government is regarding the AfCFTA programme and the value proposition in Oyo State.

    “We also have the importance of partnership and collaboration. We have selected people who will give us what we want in terms of robust conversation. The event will be live-streamed so that people across the world can be part of the event virtually.”

    Other members of the committee are Ms Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, Chairperson/Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on AfFCTA and International Trade; Mr Kunle Olusina, Deputy Chairman; Mr M.A Bolarinwa; Compliance Officer; Mr Falana Bolarinwa, Head of Logistics and Budget; Mr Falomo Saheed, Assistant Secretary and Mr Olawale Olanrewaju, secretary.

  • Oyo receives 20 CNG-powered buses to boost sustainable transport 

    Oyo receives 20 CNG-powered buses to boost sustainable transport 

    Oyo state government has received 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses from the federal government, delivered on September 2, 2024.

    The chairman and Sole Administrator of Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), Hon. Ibrahim Salami (Dikko), accepted the buses during a brief ceremony at the PTS office in Ibadan. 

    Speaking at the event, Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), highlighted that the initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, aims to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal while promoting safer, cleaner, and more reliable transportation. 

    The 20 buses, which represent a sustainable partnership with PTS, will be deployed to parks and garages to support commercial mass transit services.

    The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader CNG programme, which launched its first phase on September 15, 2024, offering free conversions of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG in Ibadan. 

    Certified technicians are installing CNG kits to enable vehicles to run on natural gas, reducing fuel costs for drivers and contributing to a cleaner environment.

    Transporters in the state have welcomed the initiative, describing it as beneficial for productivity and sustainability in the transport business. 

    Read Also: Netflix, licensing Nigerian movies and last man standing

    The first vice chairman of the Park Management System (PMS) in Oyo State, Alhaji Ademola Adeoye, praised the program but noted challenges, including the limited number of conversion centres across the state.

    He revealed that while 70 vehicles have been successfully converted, some drivers are still seeking funds to replace old buses before switching to CNG.

    Adeoye called on the government to establish more conversion centres to meet growing demand. 

    This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the state’s public transport sector, ensuring cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for commuters and transport operators alike.

    He said, “We used to spend N58,000 to and fro for Lagos, but the cost is now N4,900 since we have converted to CNG. Those at the conversion centres didn’t get it right at the initial stage but they now understand it very well, our vehicles that used to stay a week when we wanted to do the conversion now use between two to three days instead.

    “Over 70 of our commercial vehicles have been converted as of Friday. There is no issue after converting to CNG because the vehicle is moving the same as when it was using petrol before.

    “There are not enough conversion centres in the state, only three conversion centres were recommended by the federal government in the state.”

    Additionally, a private car owner who also converted to the CNG, Dr. Sowole Jayieola lamented the cost of conversion to CNG saying it is still very high.

    “As good and economical as the CNG is, when compared with petrol, the cost of converting to CNG is still high. We can only urge the government to reduce the cost of CNG conversion for more Nigerians to embrace it.

    “I converted my car a few months ago, it is the best way to go, I used to spend between N200,000 to N250,000 monthly on petrol, but now that I’ve converted to CNG, I now spend between N25,000 to N26,000 monthly.”

    Amidst the various commendations trailing the use of CNG, the Oyo state leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress said it was yet to take delivery of the CNG-powered buses meant for the union by the federal government.

    Speaking, Oyo NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins said he was in talks with the National leadership of the workers union on when to take delivery, assuring however that he has confirmed authoritatively that ten buses meant for the region will be delivered to the state and it would be handed over to the governor for onward transmission to other benefiting states.

    He lauded the initiative saying workers will need more of such vehicles for its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

  • Oyo govt, firm train SMEs operators

    Oyo govt, firm train SMEs operators

    Oyo state government, through Oyo-NG Cares Result Area 3, in partnership with ACME Professionals, has trained Small and Medium Scale Enterprises operators in the state.

    The training with the theme: “Financial Management and Management Strategies: Cash Management, Financial analysis and Debt Management” was held in five geo-political zones in the state.

    The programme was designed to equiped beneficiaries with essential financial skills and knowledge, enabling them to tackle business challenges, foster growth, ensure sustainability and optimise the use of grant resources.

    Speaking at event, the Chief Executive Officer of ACME Professionals, Wahab Olalere thanked governor Seyi Makinde for its decision to give the SMEs operators opportunity to learn how to manage their finances more effectively through the training.

    Read Also: Tax Reform Bills: FG raises tax exemption threshold for SMEs to N50m

    He stressed further that the training will no doubt allow the participants to contribute more effectively to the economic development of the State by the time they inject the knowledge acquired into their businesses.

     Also speaking, the training coordinator, Alhaji Ajibola Hamzat stressed that the training was organized because of the importance the government attached to SMEs to drive the economy in the state.

    In a lecture titled: Overview of Small & Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria; Prospects & Opportunities delivered by Dr. Morakinyo Kunle Oloyede, he stressed that the SMEs play an important role in Nigeria’s economic growth, as they constitute 97.2℅ of the companies in Nigeria.

    He added that they also contribute to national development by positively influencing the distribution of income in both functional and nominal terms.