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Category: Oyo Update

  • APC stages a protest march in Ibadan

    APC stages a protest march in Ibadan

    Reminiscent of its classic opposition antics, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on Monday, embarked on a protest over the alleged victimisation of  its lawmaker in the state assembly.

    The protests march was staged across major roads in Ibadan over in respect of Mr Ibraheem Shittu whom it alleged was being victimised by the state government.

    Shittu (APC- Saki West State Constituency), the party claimed, had a fortnight ago raised alarm over an approval granted to Gov. Seyi Makinde by the legislature to secure a loan of of N300 billion.

    The protest, which began at the party’s secretariat in Oke Ado, drew large turnout of APC members and supporters, led by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas.

    The protesters, who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, marched from the party’s  secretariat at Oke Ado to Dugbe, Mokola and back to Oke-Ado , demanding immediate protection for Shittu.

    The APC chairman said that the lawmaker had since raising the alarm had received several threat messages, prompting fears for his safety, thus sparking the protest.

    Abas insisted that the protest was to express solidarity with Shittu, describing him as courageous for standing against what the party termed “reckless borrowing.”

    “We are here to tell the governor not to send Oyo into perpetual debt. What happened to earlier loans?” Abas asked while addressing journalists at the secretariat.

    He said the APC would not fold its arms while its member is allegedly harassed, stressing that the party was fully behind Shittu’s stance against the loan deal.

    “I have the protest letter here, he should not be victimised.”

    The APC chairman vowed to resist any attempt to silence opposition voices, declaring that “the process to take over Oyo has started.”

    The protest was monitored by security operatives including the police to prevent its hijack by hoodlums. 

  • Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

    Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

      

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the recent incident at a children’s funfair in Ibadan that claimed lives and left several injured.

     Extending condolences to the affected families and the Oyo State community, the President mourned the loss of young lives in the unfortunate event.  

    In response, Tinubu has directed authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident to uncover its cause and address any lapses.

     He has also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen safety measures at public gatherings to avoid similar occurrences in the future.  

    ALSO READ: Tinubu Names Chairmen, MD’s, Executive Director’s for 12 River Basin Dev Authorities

    Calling for stricter adherence to safety protocols, the President reminded event organisers of their responsibility to ensure the well-being of all attendees, particularly children. 

    He highlighted the need for regular safety inspections and professional oversight at public venues to prevent future tragedies.

    AFP reports that a stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 children and seriously injured six others.

    A socialite and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, the lead sponsor of the funfair was arrested by the @Ngpolice on Thursday.

  • Floods Ravage University of Ibadan, Destroys Students’ Properties 

    Floods Ravage University of Ibadan, Destroys Students’ Properties 

    Flood wreaks havoc at the University of Ibadan, leaving several hostels submerged, destroying students’ belongings. 

    The Awo Hostel, particularly the underground rooms, is most severely impacted, with about 16 rooms completely submerged. 

    Personal items such as documents, books, and foodstuffs were lost as the floodwaters surged through the students’ living spaces. 

    Some students, who were away for exams, returned to find their properties destroyed, including valuable electronics like laptops.

    The affected students have made attempts to salvage what they can, but videos from the scene reveal the extent of the damage, showing items floating in the water and entire rooms, toilets, and kitchens inundated. 

    The flooding has not only caused significant property loss but also left students stranded and struggling to find basic necessities. 

    This marks the third occurrence of flooding at the institution, but it is the first time students’ rooms have been affected to this degree.

  • Nigerian soldier allegedly kills NSCDC officer in Oyo nightclub fight

    Nigerian soldier allegedly kills NSCDC officer in Oyo nightclub fight

    A Nigerian Army personnel identified as Abubakar has reportedly killed Olapade Segun, an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
    The incident occurred, after an altercation had ensued between the two men at a nightclub in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
    The incident occurred on Sunday after a confrontation between the two men, who had met at the same venue days earlier.
    According to eyewitness accounts, the dispute escalated when Abubakar brandished a dagger and fatally stabbed Segun.
    The NSCDC officer succumbed to severe blood loss before medical help could reach him.
    Following the incident, an angry mob attempted to deliver justice by severely beating the soldier as he tried to flee the scene.
    However, he was eventually rescued by fellow soldiers who arrived to disperse the crowd.
  • LG Autonomy: ‘FG Cannot Tell Us What To Do In Oyo State ‘ – Seyi Makinde 

    LG Autonomy: ‘FG Cannot Tell Us What To Do In Oyo State ‘ – Seyi Makinde 

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Federal Government is not superior to states in exercising each other’s constitutional roles.

    Makinde made this known in Ibadan at an emergency consultative meeting with stakeholders on Monday to appraise last week’s Supreme Court judgement, which granted financial autonomy to the local government areas across the nation.

    He maintained that the judgment had created a constitutional lacuna that would throw up different challenges at the local government level.

    The Governor stressed that though he was not opposing transparency in the councils, the Supreme Court judgment “is not a silver bullet that will wash away Nigeria’s problems.”

    He said, “I called this meeting because I felt that even though we have not seen the Certified True Copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court, we have to be proactive and discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns the financial autonomy of the local government councils because I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that we all swore to uphold.

    “The law is the law and when there is a conflict, yes, we should go to the court. But it behoves on us to look for our own homegrown solutions that can ensure that we have transparency and that our people do not suffer. This is because when two elephants are fighting it is the grass that will suffer.”

    Speaking further, Makinde said his administration has been doing what was right, including clearing the backlog of debts owed to workers and pensioners at the council level and fixing the infrastructure deficit in the PHCs and the inner roads.

    He added, “I am saying this because Oyo State will get out of this even stronger. We are people that know what is good for our people. We can run our own affairs, the Federal Government is not superior constitutionally to the state government. Well, they have more resources than the state, but their jurisdiction is coordinated, so we can do what is right in Oyo state, and we have been doing what is right.

    “Before we came in, leave bonuses were last paid in 2017 and we have paid for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Primary Health Care facilities, inner roads were all in bad shape. But we have been working collaboratively with the LGs to deliver dividends of democracy to our people.

    “We were able to clear those salary arrears. We paid N18 billion in pension and gratuities over this period. We upgraded about 209 PHCs, equipped about 264, and completed 60 model schools. We constructed and renovated hundreds of primary school classrooms and fixed some of our roads.

    “But there are still challenges that we have to address. We still have a backlog of gratuities and pensions. The local governments owe about N55 billion in pension and gratuities. We are developing infrastructure that would push the economy and raise the living standard of their people and push their economy towards sustainable goals.”

  • Makinde orders flag to fly half mast in honour of late lawmaker

    Makinde orders flag to fly half mast in honour of late lawmaker

     

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the demise of a House of Representatives member, Mr Olaide Akinremi, as shocking and a great loss to the state.

    The two-term All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institutes, died in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness

    Makinde mourned Akinremi in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade.

    The governor, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the state in honour of the late lawmaker.

  • Governor declares Monday public holiday 

    Governor declares Monday public holiday 

    The Oyo State Government has declared Monday, July 8, 2024, a work-free day in commemoration of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1446AH.

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government acknowledged the significance of Hijrah in the lives of its Muslim residents.

    “Monday, July 8, 2024, has been declared a work-free day to mark the Hijrah, which signifies Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD,” Oyelade said.

    The commissioner emphasised that this day is a gesture of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community. He called on all residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria.

    Oyelade urged everyone to reflect on the teachings of Hijrah and to come together in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.

    “The Hijrah is a time for reflection, prayer, and community spirit. Let us come together on this day to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in our state and our nation,” he added.

  • Ibadan Airport goes international status

    Ibadan Airport goes international status

    In a significant milestone for Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has secured the approval of President Bola Tinubu to upgrade Ibadan Airport to an international status, paving the way for increased economic development and regional integration.

    He made this known on Wednesday, while receiving the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Governor Makinde said he would be heading to the Federal Capital Territory Abuja later today to get necessary documentation to that effect, assuring that work on the project would commence as soon as all documentation had been perfected.

    He said further that the runway will be expanded and a new terminal will be built when the project commences, adding that a team had been constituted to implement the project which he said would boost the economy of the state.

    Governor Makinde solicited the input of personnel of the Air Force in the state in ensuring that the project meets the required operating standards.

    Recall that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde during state of the state address recently promised that pilgrims from the state for the 2024 Hajj will airlifted from the Ibadan Airport.

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar, earlier in his remarks, said he was in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital as part of an operational tour to Air Force formations across the country.

    He commended Governor Makinde for his administration’s support to the armed forces, especially the Air Force Base in the state.

  • Makinde Approves Immediate Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals in Oyo State

    Makinde Approves Immediate Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals in Oyo State

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sanctioned the urgent recruitment of doctors, nurses, consultants, and other healthcare professionals to address staffing shortages in the state’s health sector.

    The announcement was made by Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Hospitals Management Board, following a meeting with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ibadan.

     This decision comes in response to an indefinite strike initiated by the NANNM on May 21, due to unmet demands from the state government.

    Fagbemi emphasized the importance of this recruitment drive, noting it will significantly alleviate the current workforce deficit in hospitals and healthcare centers across Oyo State. 

    He praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to transparency and accountability in the health sector, which are vital for delivering quality healthcare services.

    “The governor’s approval for the immediate recruitment of additional healthcare professionals is a crucial step towards resolving the staffing crisis and enhancing healthcare delivery in our state,” Fagbemi stated. 

  • DSS arrests former Oyo PMS chairman, Auxiliary

    DSS arrests former Oyo PMS chairman, Auxiliary

    The Department of State Services has reportedly arrested Mukaila Lamidi, the embattled chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System, popularly known as Auxiliary.

    According to The Punch, Auxiliary was arrested at about 4:00 pm on Tuesday at his residence in the Olodo area of Ibadan, the state capital.

    Although the reasons for his arrest are still sketchy, a source who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity because of the weight of the matter said it was because of an interview he granted on Saturday, May 4, in which he called out Seye Famojuro, a trusted ally of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for being behind his woes.

    In the interview he granted to Media personnel, Ajibola Akinyefa, in the Yoruba Language, the former PMS chairman said, “If he (Famojuro) is the governor or Seyi Makinde is, we will know. It is just a matter of time. Everybody will face the consequences of their actions. The people he chose to manage the park are cheating themselves.

    When asked if it was his hooliganism that led to his removal, Auxiliary queried how many people reported that he beat them to the police.

    He further said that Seye would still return to Ijesha because Ibadan is not his homeland.

    “Seye will still go back to Ijesha because Ibadan is not his town. Only Governor Seyi Makinde and I will remain here because we won’t run away. And I see that the bird is not working, but God feeds it. Seye will reap the seeds of his actions,” he added.