Tag: Oyo

Despite the Oyo state government’s free education policy, a girl child still requires at least N89,200 per term to attend school, a new report has revealed.

The research, launched by the Onelife Initiative in Ibadan, highlights several local government areas, including Iseyin, Ibarapa North, Lagelu, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ibarapa East, and Oyo West, as high-priority regions for improving the educational opportunities for the girl child.

The report, titled State of Girl Child Education (SoGE) in Oyo State, outlines the challenges faced by girls in accessing quality education in public secondary schools. 

Supported by the Malala Fund, the study found that this amount covers sundries such as uniforms, sanitary pads, socks, underwear, stationery, transportation, school bags, sandals, and hair maintenance—expenses that remain outside the scope of the free education policy.

The event also saw the launch of a website, www.teachher.ng, for tooling corps members posted to schools to be better educators. It also featured a photo exhibition titled Visualising Girls Education.

Giving the highpoint of the findings while speaking at the launch and dissemination of the report, the Executive Director of Onelife Initiative and the Principal Investigator of the research, Mr Sola Fagorusi said a total of 34 schools spread across the three geo-political zones in the study were surveyed with 1,280 girls responding to questionnaires, 83 inept interviews and 36 Focus Group Discussions with key education stakeholders

He urged stakeholders at the event to take advantage of the findings to fill the gaps in the education of the girl child in the state.

Fagorusi said: “Using a mixed research methodology with qualitative and quantitative components, a total of 34 schools spread across the 3 geo-political zones in the study were surveyed with 1,280 girls responding to questionnaires, 83 inept interviews and 36 Focus Group Discussions with key education stakeholders. 

“Complimented by the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate examination result, the following local Government Areas were highlighted as high priority for improving the lot of the girl child — Iseyin, Ibarapa North, Lagelu, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ibarapa East, Oyo West. 

“In Iseyin Local Government Area, for instance, only 11 girls in public schools across the LGA had 5 credits in the exam including Mathematics and English out of the 1,267 girls that sat for the exam. 

“We hope the various stakeholders here will take the recommendations, spot gaps and act.”

Speaking on the website, he said “the website has 5 modules specially designed for first-time educators, specifically corps members, on the various issues and knowledge they need to arm themselves with for effective classroom teaching targeting the girl child. 

“The modules also bear gifts for corps members upon completion of each module.”

Earlier in his opening address, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Elder Delani Binuyo congratulated Onelife Initiative and her partner for the success achieved on the findings while also urging stakeholders that “education should not be seen as the affair of the state government alone.”

Also, in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mr. Gbemileke Ojerinde assured participants of the “government’s unwavering commitment to implementing policies and programs that will empower the girl child to thrive academically and socially through strategic initiatives like scholarships, school feeding programs and advocacy for gender-sensitive curricula.”

Present at the event were representatives from SUBEB, NYSC, other Civil Society Organisations and students from 9 secondary schools and their teachers from across the state.

The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, overseeing the South-West zone under the National Security Advisor, announced the interception of six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path near the Oyo State and Benin Republic border.

The weapons, identified by their serial numbers, were concealed inside sacks of cassava flour (garri) and loaded in a Toyota Camry Saloon car as a decoy.

Speaking in Lagos, the Team’s Coordinator, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, disclosed that since August 2019, the unit has seized goods valued at ₦36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants, reflecting its commitment to border security and anti-smuggling operations.

His words: “The former code-named “Operation Swift Response” was inaugurated on 20th August 2019 to address security challenges along the nation’s international borders caused by the proliferation of smuggled small and light weapons, illicit drugs, prohibited goods, and other cross-border crimes.

“As the principal adviser to the President on national security, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates the management of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Nigerian Customs Service as the lead agency to ensure improved security at the nation’s border.

“The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 covers the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It specifically focused on the border corridors with the neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that “the doggedness and the sacrifice of JBPT Sector 2 in fighting cross-border crimes were instrumental in achieving some significant successes. This includes the seizure of goods worth a duty-paid value of over N36.7 billion and the interception of 1,507 irregular immigrants. ” The Sector’s efforts also boosted the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales. An aggregate of N1,140,162,562 was paid into the federation account from the sales of seized petroleum products.

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The recent of this kind of seizure, he said, “was on December 3, 2024, when a patrol team sighted a man running away from a stationed Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Ododo bush path of Oyo State. The fleeing man’s action raised suspicion on the abandoned vehicle, and it was intercepted.

“After conducting a search on the vehicle, it was found to contain six pump-action rifles with the following numbers: 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084. A total of 1,125 pieces of live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.

Prominent among other seizures recorded from 20 August 2019 till date, he added, ” are: I, 130,954 bags of foreign bags of rice (50 kg) equivalent to 218 truckloads; 7,200 kg of pangolin scales; 5,575,020 litres of Premium motor spirit; 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products; 4,124 bales of used clothes; 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil; 15 pump action riffles; 280 suspected cases of human trafficking; 480 units of motor vehicles; and 1,190 means of conveyance

“The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2 had encountered some operational challenges like any other establishment. However, these challenges were surmounted with the aid of collaboration with some critical stakeholders, developing innovative problem-solving skills, and commitment to effective leadership and management.

“At this juncture, I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the officers and men of JBPT Sector 2, across the component security agencies, patriotic citizens, and stakeholders for your unwavering commitment to fighting cross-border crimes.

“I am honoured to lead a courageous and determined team that is committed to the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, bravery, and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team.

“The tireless efforts you made towards securing our borders by suppressing smuggling and the interception of illegal immigrants are not unnoticed. Thank you for demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and patriotism in the face of numerous challenges.

“To the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support towards the success of the Joint Border Patrol Team.”

Their leadership styles and logistics supply, he added ” are instrumental to our success story at suppressing cross-border crimes. We are grateful for the opportunity to work under your supervision,” he said.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has launched a training and validation workshop aimed at institutionalizing Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS). 

The initiative seeks to strengthen legislative processes and enhance the activities of lawmakers, ultimately advancing governance and democracy in Nigeria.

At the opening session of the two-day workshop held in Ibadan, key stakeholders emphasized the importance of impactful legislation as a cornerstone for sustaining democracy. 

Among those present were the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; the Director of Democracy and Governance at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Adewale Aderemi; and the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Taiwo Muraino-Akinola.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin highlighted the significance of adopting PLS, describing it as a transformative approach to legislative practice that would refine the legislative process and bolster democracy at all levels of governance.

The workshop, organised by NILDS in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Oyo State House of Assembly, aims to embed PLS into legislative practices and foster accountability in lawmaking.

He said, “The introduction of PLS into our legislative framework is a testament to our commitment to deepening democracy, fostering inclusiveness, and ensuring that the voices of the people we serve resonate in the decisions that shape their lives.

“This approach not only strengthens legislative processes but also builds trust and collaboration between lawmakers and constituents. 

“This workshop will provides an invaluable platform for us to equip ourselves with the skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to implement PLS effectively. By doing so, we affirm our collective dedication to transparency, accountability, and citizen –centered governance’

In his address, Professor Aderemi described PLS as a legislative procedure that is an oversight function of post monitoring and evaluating laws has been passed whether they are working as intended.

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He explained further that legislative passed laws on daily basis but how impactful are those laws, saying “most of the bills that were presented and passed at the various levels of the Assembly were establishment bills rather than review or amendment bills with meaningful impact on the lives of the people. This development is worrisome.

“It is the impact of the laws on the people that democracy is meant. It is good to pass bills into laws but the quest is, how impactful are such laws on the lives of the people? The number of bills passed should not be a yardstick to assess the performance of either the National or House of Assembly but its impact on the lives of the people.

In his goodwill mesaage, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Aikomo commended the initiative saying the introduction of PLS into the Oyo Assembly legislative framework is a testament to the state commitment to deepening democracy, fostering inclusiveness, and ensuring that the voices of the people the government is serving resonates in the decisions that shape their lives.

Represented by the Direcror, Legal Drafting and Parliamentary Counselling, Dr T. A. Dairy, the Commissioner stressed that the approach will not only strengthens legislative processes but also builds trust and collaboration between lawmakers and constituents.

He said, “The introduction of PLS into our legislative framework is a testament to our commitment to deepening democracy, fostering inclusiveness, and ensuring that the voices of the people we serve resonate in the decisions that shape their lives. 

“This approach not only strengthens legislative processes but also builds trust and collaboration between lawmakers and constituents.

“This workshop will provides an invaluable platform for us to equip ourselves with the skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to implement PLS effectively. By doing so, we affirm our collective dedication to transparency, accountability, and citizen –centered governance.”

In her remarks, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Taiwo Muraino-Akinola said the workshop, organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democratic Development (WFD) in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to legislative excellence, one that goes beyond law-making to ensure that every legislation pass fulfills its intended purpose.

She noted that the concept of PLS which stems from a recognition that the legislative process does not end with the assent of a Bill but rather begins a new phase of responsibility via implementation and impact assessment. 

According to her, laws crafted with the noblest intentions, often face challenges when put into practice. The challenges, she said, range from inadequate resources to institutional bottlenecks and unintended consequences. 

“Without a mechanism to monitor and evaluate these laws, we risk enacting legislation that fails to address the problems they were intended to address. This oversight is what PLS seeks to correct. It provides a structured framework for reviewing the implementation, effectiveness, and relevance of laws, ensuring they remain dynamic tools for societal transformation.

“There is no doubt that institutionalizing PLS will not only enhance the quality of our legislative outputs but also solidify public confidence in the legislature as a vital arm of government. 

“Through scrutiny enabled by PLS, we can identify gaps, propose amendments, and hold implementing agencies accountable. This process creates a feedback channel that fosters accountability, transparency, and evidence- based decision making. 

“Furthermore, PLS is a global best practice, and its institutionalization will position the Oyo State House of Assembly as a pacesetter in legislative innovation in Nigeria. 

“In an era where governance challenges are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted, PLS offers us a way to ensure that our legislative efforts directly and positively impact the lives of our people”, the Clerk said.

In his presentation, the Country Director of Westminster, Adebowale Olorunmola said the PLS would strengthen the nation”s democratic ru

The hearing of the dangerous driving case involving former Oyo State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mukaila Lamidi, was adjourned on Tuesday due to the absence of his counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN.

The case was scheduled for hearing at Court 10 of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, presided over by Justice E. O. Ajayi.

Mr. S. O. Adeoye, the Director of Public Prosecution, led the prosecution, while the defendant was present in court.

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Although Mrs. E.O. Mbam stood in for Mr. Ojo, she informed the court that the Senior Advocate had requested an adjournment, as he was unable to attend due to circumstances beyond his control. 

She assured the court that Mr. Ojo had committed to handling the case personally, as promised to his client.

Details shortly… 

The Oyo state government has approved the conversion of 551 serving officers into various sub-officer and officer cadres in the state’s civil and public service.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamoru Aderibigbe, over the weekend.

Aderibigbe explained that the selection process was rigorous and highly competitive, with the government prioritising merit in choosing the 551 officers for conversion.

“I believe this recruitment and conversion exercises are game-changers for the Oyo State civil service,” he said, adding that the conversion was to strengthen the service and ensure better output by workers.

He said the conversion exercise, which was approved amidst the ongoing recruitment exercise, into the mainstream of the Civil Service, confirmed the love Governor Seyi Makinde has for workers who had obtained relevant additional academic and professional qualifications.

Recall that the state government just concluded Computer Based Test (CBT), for about 15,000 applicants, jostling for new appointments into about 66 different cadres, in the state civil and public services.

The Chairman, who at the conclusion of the exercise expressed happiness for the success recorded, also praised the governor for giving approval for the recruitment exercise and fresh conversion exercise for 551 officers.

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He described the gesture as an indication that the governor is always putting the masses first in his decision making.

The Chairman noted that the health sector is the major beneficiary in the conversion exercise with 85 Nursing Superintendents becoming Nursing Officers as well as other cadres in the health sector, whilst some Medical Officers too would soon be converted to Medical Consultants at relevant fields of their specialization. 

Alh. Aderibigbe admonished workers in the state to appreciate the good gesture of the Governor, by performing their duties diligently, effectively and efficiently, to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor.

He congratulated Oyo State Civil/Public Servants on the ongoing Civil/Public Service Week wishing them more years of progress.

No fewer than 15,000 applicants have been shortlisted for the Computer Based Examination entrance job for prospective job seekers into the Oyo State Civil Service Commission.

The number which represents 67 percent of the entire 22, 235 applicants who showed interest in taking up job offers were said to have met all qualifications requirements into the cadre in line with the state civil service scheme.

The Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alh. Kamoru Aderibigbe disclosed this on Friday during a Press conference held in his office.

He noted that the CBT for the shortlisted applicants will be held from Monday, November 25, 2024- to Thursday, November 28, 2024.

He said approval was given by Governor Seyi Makinde for about 900 officers to be recruited into over 60 Cadres across MDAs in the Mainstream of the Civil Service.

Speaking further, the Chairman said out of the 22,235 applications received by the Commission, 15,000 were qualified to sit for the CBT.

Aderibigbe said the recruitment is unprecedented in the history of Oyo State, as there has never been a time in the last two decades when such recruitment was done, as it has always been on a cadre basis.

He said: “For instance, the present administration had recruited 60 Environmental Health personnel in 2020, 692 Education Officers, and 30 state Counsel in the same year, while 19 officers were recently recruited for the Ministry of Lands.

Read Also: Insecurity: Oyo moves to curb illegal arms, light weapons, illegal migrants

“As for the ongoing process, 22,235 applications were successfully submitted into the State government job portal out of which roughly 15,000 which is about 67 percent were qualified for recruitment into the cadres for which they have applied in line with the scheme of service and the parameters stated in our Tribune advertisement of 7th October 2024”.

Consequently, Alh. Aderibigbe said similar cadres have been grouped to sit at the same centre, stressing that applicants have been divided into two groups of examining for competence.

“Those seeking employment as Education Officers, Environmental Health personnel, Social Welfare, and Youth will sit CBT at the Arch. Bamidele Samson CBT Center, Opposite UCH, on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th November, while others will sit for theirs at the Distance Learning CBT Center, Ajibode, Ibadan, on Thursday, 28th November, 2024”, he added.

He said invites are already being sent to successful applicants, advising applicants yet to get an invite, to visit the Oyo State Government portal and refresh if qualified by all the parameters stated in our publication.

Aderibigbe advised applicants to come to the examination centre at the indicated time on their individual invitation slips, with printed copies of their application form and invitation slip.

While thanking Governor Seyi Makinde for the very rare opportunity to lift many youth out of poverty to prosperity with the employment of thousands, Aderibigbe appealed to applicants to be good ambassadors of the state.