By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Awotan-Apete residents have expressed their appreciation to governor Seyi Makinde for giving communities around the area a new lease of life by ending the air pollution which has for over fifteen years permeated the entire Awotan area over persistent unpleasant wastes smells.

One of the community leaders who could not contained his excitement at the sight of governor Makinde screamed the governor’s name in appreciation of his giant strides towards improving the quality of lives of Oyo state residents stressing that the state has never had it so good in terms of giving dividend of democracy back to the masses.

The governor who arrived the dump site in on an unscheduled inspection visit in company of top officials from the ministry of environment and natural resources led by the ministry’s permanent secretary to assess the level of work done on the ongoing projects called for expedited action.

The Special Assistant on Energy to governor Seyi Makinde, Hon Saka Moshood Olawale, who was already at the dump site for inspection before the governor arrived expressed optimism with the economic might the site will bring to the economy of the state when completed.

Speaking with Sunrise Bulletin shortly after the governor departed, Engr Olawale explained that Oyo state is committed to generating alternative power in order to provide more constant and regular electricity power supply to the entire state.

He said that his inspection of the dump site was key part of his weeklong schedule to get progress report from on the spot assessment of such dump sites which he described as vital source of renewable energy for the state adding that several investors have expressed interests in keying into governor Makinde’s ‘waste to wealth agenda.

The Special Assistant on Energy, however assured that the governor’s commitment to bringing his economic blueprint to fruition remained unwavering stressing that even though COVID-19 has done great damage to the state economy, governor Makinde remain resolute to achieving his laudable plans for the state within reasonable time.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Some members of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Monday stormed the headquarters of the State Police Command to demand explanation on why an alleged killer suspect escaped from their custody.

Led by their Chairman, Ademola Babalola, the journalists described the news of the escape of Sunday Shodipe, a suspect who was arrested in connection with killings of Barakat Bello; Azeezat Shomuyiwa, and five year-old baby, identified as Mujeeb, could flee the station without internal conspiracy of suspected bad eggs in the police.

The CP, Nwachukwu Enwonwu who welcomed Babalola and his team to his office, disclosed that an Inspector and one other officer, who he failed to reveal their identities have been arrested and are currently undergoing orderly room trial.

He said the proceedings for their involvement had started on Monday morning, assuring the press and the general public that there would be no cover up.

The escape of the suspect has attracted several reactions and condemnations from many citizens of the state.

Enwonwu, during the meeting with Oyo NUJ, assured people of Oyo State the police would do everything to ensure the re-arrest of the suspect. “We will so everything to ensure that Oyo state is crime free” he said.

Babalola earlier in his remarks told the Police Commissioner that he and other journalists were disturbed with the news of the escape of the suspect.

He urged the Commissioner to ensure that his men perform their duties in line with the laid down rules and regulations.

He said, “We are disturbed with the news of the escape of Sunday Shodipe. That is why we have to come here. Police custody should be the safest place to keep a suspect in Nigeria”.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Bayelsa Governorship Election Tribunal on Monday nullified the election of Governor Douye Diri.

The Tribunal also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to order a fresh election within 90 days.

The verdict follows the petition by the Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) challenging the victory of Governor Diri in the November 19 governorship election.

The ANDP claimed that the party was unlawfully excluded from the election.

In a split judgement of two-one, the three-man panel ruled that INEC does not have the power to disqualify any candidate for an election.

INEC, in its argument, said that the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate was 34-year-old as at the time of nomination and therefore did not qualify to contest the election.

ANDP told Justice Yunusa Musa, who is delivered the lead judgment that its initial Deputy Governorship Candidate, David Esinkuma was duly substituted by the Party within the allowed time frame, following the notification from INEC that he’s under-age.

Justice Musa in his response said that INEC has no power to disqualify any candidate and insists that the petition of the ANDP stands.

He also added that only a court has the power to disqualify any candidate for any election and that the petition was filed within 21 days, which is the stipulated time for petitions to be filed.

Justice Musa described the action of INEC to exclude the ANDP from the Bayelsa Governorship Election as illegal.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The federal lawmaker representing Oluyole federal Constituency, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has drawn the attention of Governor Seyi Makinde  to the deplorable condition of Oyo State Road- Odo-Ona/Elewe. She also threatened to take legal against two Ibadan-based radio presenters – Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat and Mr. Abiodun Adewole ‘Double A’, for their overzealous, unethical and unprofessional journalism.

Sadipe made the statement during a meeting with residents of Odo-Ona Elewe-Idi-iroko-Olugbemi-Adewole road, the officials of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and other stakeholders, on the deplorable condition of the road.

During the meeting, Hon. Akande-Sadipe detailed all the actions she had taken to get FERMA to address the complaints on the length, scope and quality of the rehabilitation work.

She provided some historical background on her efforts prior to the 2019 election whilst she was the Special Assistant Projects and BIP to former Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Hon. Akande-Sadipe who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, pointed out that, in the latter part of year 2018, Governor Abiola Ajimobi had given a written approval for the required repairs of the road and three other roads within Oluyole Federal Constituency, adding that she personally brought the issue of the dilapidated condition of the road to the attention of the Governor.

“On resumption at the National Assembly I discovered that the road was listed as a 2019 capital project and announced the commencement of the repair work and here we are today all dissatisfied with the work delivered”, she said.

She said that the road, which serves as a major economic access point linking the state to other South west states, like Ogun and Lagos, is near complete collapse.

“The poor road condition posed a serious challenge to residents of the area, damaging their vehicles and threatening their sources of livelihood. It has also endangered the evacuation of farm produce from the area”, she said.

Akande-Sadipe therefore reiterated her commitment to work with both the State and Federal governments to bring succour to the community, by ensuring that the road is adequately rehabilitated with proper drainages.

Meanwhile, Hon. Akande-Sadipe has admonished broadcasters and journalists to practice professionalism at its best and ensure they make proper findings, so as not to mislead listeners.

She called out Abiodun Adewole of Splash FM/Lagelu F.M, who was at the venue, for intentionally misrepresenting her in spite of her explanation that she was bereaved a few days prior to when he called, with the demise of her blood brother and therefore could not appear on his weekly programme. Akande-Sadipe added that she had forwarded written documentary evidence on actions taken by her, to address the concerns raised by the community to him.

She also advised Ibadan based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat to practice responsible journalism as his unguarded and false statements only aggravated the situation and should he continue, he would leave her no choice but to consider legal action against his lack of journalistic ethics.

She queried why a self-acclaimed broadcaster like Oriyomi Hamzat would choose not to efficiently and responsibly carry out the due care of his profession by conducting proper investigative journalism, before making unfounded statements about her on air. “A simple trip to the FERMA’s office or a phone call to me would have cleared the air and given him an accurate storyline rather than the false sensationalism path he towed”.

Speaking, the Director, FERMA, Oyo State, Engineer Babatunde Ige apologized for commenting in error on radio programme, that Hon. Akande-Sadipe had not written a complaint letter as she earlier stated.

He said she had written to him requesting detailed information on the scope, length and specifications of the road works, but unfortunately his staff had not informed him.

In his response, the Chairman, Isokan Community, Mr. Olatunde Akadiri thanked Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe for her commitment, loyalty and support to the Constituency she represents, assuring her of their prayers and consistent backing.

Present at the meeting were Baales, Executives of Community Associations within the vicinity of Odo-Ona Elewe Idi-iroko-Olugbemi-Adewole Road.

She was also joined at the meeting by Chairman ALGON, Hon. Abass Aleshinloye; Pa Alamu; Oluyole APC Leader, Alh. Ashake Adebiyi; APC Woman Leader Oluyole, Alh. Ladoja; APC Oluyole Youth Leader, Hon. Gbolagade, and other APC Party members. Also present at the meeting was Engineer Ige Babatunde, the Director of FERMA, Oyo State and the project Engineer, Engr. Balogun.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has lauded the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, Pastor Akinade Alamu, for giving reasons why Muslims who took its Computer-Based Test for employment were given Christian questions.

The clarification is coming after MURIC alleged that Oyo State TESCOM had Christianised the CBT test held on August 11, 2020. The Islamic human rights association made the allegation on August 14.

But in a swift reaction, Alamu issued a press statement in which he explained that the incident was not deliberate. He blamed the development on computer technicalities, adding that some Christian candidates were also given questions on Islamic knowledge.

The statement was signed by the TESCOM Permanent Secretary, Grace Olabisi Oderinde.

MURIC on Sunday in a statement by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, lauded the Executive Chairman of TESCOM for his exemplary behaviour. MURIC thanked Alamu for addressing the core issue raised by the human rights association.

Part of the statement reads:

Akintola said: “Pastor Akinade comes across as the type of leader we need in this country. Nigeria needs a leader who is sensitive to the feelings of the people. We need a leader who will not ignore complaints but who will confront them frontally. The solution offered by Oyo TESCOM to our complaint may not be perfect, but nobody can fault the military dispatch with which it was addressed. We thank Pastor Akinade Alamu for displaying high level maturity.

“Instead of abusing or threatening us, instead of hiring a fiction story writer or fraudulently forming a fictitious 24-hour ‘Islamic’ organisation to start a dirty fight (just what some have done to hide their glaring oppression of Muslims), Pastor Akinade Alamu studied our grievance and took time to come up with a panacea. He set aside religious differences. He addressed the message and not the messenger. His language was refined, civil, diplomatic and parliamentarian. This is really commendable.

“Here is a big lesson for the governors of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti whose reactions to our criticisms have been undemocratic and nonconventional. The case of Oyo TESCOM and MURIC has proved that propaganda is not public relations. Leaders can stoop to conquer. Those in charge of public relations in public or private organisations must know this. Image makers must learn to respect the other side. Grandstanding and name-calling can only lead to the escalation of the crisis.

“MURIC will remain faithful to its motto, ‘Dialogue, Not Violence’. We are open to discussions before, during or after opening an issue. We are not rigid. Neither are we extremists. It is only our dectractors who want to give us a bad name. We will continue to peacefully coexist with our neighbours but on equal terms of mutual respect, i.e. without compromising Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims.”

Yorubas, by extension Africans, are renown for respectfully revering their Elders, both indoor and in the public, in words and in actions. However, one gets to wonder what amiss when one views the conducts of His Excellency, former Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, who at every available opportunity do throws decorum to the winds.

For the avoidance of doubt, in the last few weeks, I’ve read with extreme disbelief many of his impish public releases against two of our revered Elders of Yoruba nation. Most especially is the worthless statement released on his official twitter handle against the Atoona Odua (Pathfinder) of Yorubaland, High Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George.

Across Party or Ethnic affliations, it is now a general belief that Dr Fayose’s penchant for disrespecting Elders and reputable leaders of note has reached level of insanity. And those one we need to pity much are our so called Lagosians, who condemn Tinubu with utmost hatred because he’s an atowunrinwa, kneeling on our necks in Lagos, but now trying to worship this disrespectful Ekiti man, as their leader. I simply cannot fathom what to ascribe this to, is it greed or covetousness?

It’s even funny that Fayose’s treachery is coming up again at a time the masses are well prepared for an Otoge in Lagos State, and some PDP elements are trying to pull another alaileko to Lagos as their Leader. What a shame, what an irony of fate for some Yorubas. Though, the Ekitis are known to be cultured but Ayo is very uncultured. No doubt, many affirmed that some people simply lack moral values, neither do they have pictures of the elderly ones in their family.

Dare Adeleke is the Executive Chairman of Pacesetter Transport Corporation. He writes from Oluyole, Ibadan.

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Efforts have been geared by Oyo State government towards making its specialist hospitals like Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu, Ring-Road Specialist Hospital and Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan stand side by side with the University College Hospital (UCH) in the areas of training and healthcare delivery.

The Chairman, Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Gbola Adetunji disclosed this, saying that the vision of the board was to elevate specialist hospitals in the State to the standard of University Teaching Hospitals through provision of necessary medical equipment and trained personnel .

Adetunji said this during the inspection of facilities at Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu and Ring Road Specialist Hospital in Ibadan on Friday, saying the motive behind the proposed elevation of the health facilities was to enable each facility stand on its own and become training centre for medical specialists and other professionals in the health sector.

“Health workers are vanguards of the government and it has become imperative for them to cue into the ongoing reform process of the governor which will encourage the government to further extend its gesture to the health sector and practitioners .

“The board will adopt both formal and informal inspection of health facilities to continually access the state of the equipment as well as performance of personnel for optimum performance, the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde is to take the health sector to an enviable heights through policies and execution of laudable projects .

“His health reform agenda is based on renovation of infrastructures, equipping health facilities to world class standard and promoting public-private partnership in critical health care services to further provide quality health care services which will be accessible and affordable to the people of the State, we are poised to make these public health facilities ride side by side with the respected UCH in providing training and quality healthcare services.”

He admonished health workers in the State to shun truancy, diversion of patients and lateness as anyone found culpable of these and other vices would not go unpunished.

In their separate remarks, the Chief Consultant, Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde and his Ring-Road Specialist Hospital’s Counterpart, Dr. Oladimeji Olawale commended the government on the recent deployment of key personnel to the facilities .

While enumerating the benefits the hospital stood to derive from the inspection carried out by the team, Dr Akintunde noted that a committee would be set up to monitor activities of staffers of the hospital for improved health care service delivery.

On the entourage of the board Chairman on the inspection tour was the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju, Director Medical Services, Dr. Olufemi Adesanya among other personnel of the board and facilities inspected include the Intensive care unit, radiology department, laboratory, theatre, high dependency unit and others.

By Oluwakemi Ishola