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Oyo Teaching Applicants To Write CBT Test On Tuesday

By
Peter Ayoade
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…Warns Private School Owners on Illegal Fees

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

Oyo State government has announced the readiness of the State’s Teaching Service Commission (Oyo TESCOM) to conduct computer-based test (CBT) for all candidates applying for teaching appointment, starting from Tuesday 11th August, 2020.

The Chairman, Oyo TESCOM, Pastor Akinade Alamu stated this on a Fresh FM programme, anchored by popular presenter, Isaac Brown in Ibadan on Thursday, while answering questions pertaining to developments on the State’s teaching appointment.

Alamu had recently informed the general public that all applicants for the teaching appointment would have to upload their credentials to the State’s website to allow for equal participation and open process.

He said the examination would run through the week from 7am till 6pm except on Sunday, reiterating the fact that whoever that could not upload his or her credentials to TESCOM’s portal before Tuesday should not bother to write the test.

“The examination will be starting on Tuesday, 11th August, 2020 and will run through the week till Saturday, they will be starting daily from 7am till 6pm and the results will be communicated to the applicants through the email they put in their registration and through SMS.

“No applicant’s complaints will be attended to at the CBT centers, if anybody has complaints, let them come to the TESCOM office, we wish them the best in the examination.”

Alamu hailed the State administration’s resolve to conduct computer-based examination for all candidates applying for teaching appointment in the State, as according to him, the move has portrayed the government as being open in all its governance processes.

Reacting to the issue of private school owners demanding a quarter of school fees for periods students were at home due to Covid-19 pandemic from their students, the TESCOM Chairman said the private schools ought to have consulted with parents and other stakeholders before deciding on such.

He asked the private school owners concerned to see the effects of covid-19 as that which affected them and parents as well, urging them to desist from charging the students without appreciating the consequence of the current situation on the financial strength of individual home.

40 DAYS AFTER; WE’RE YET TO COME TO TERMS WITH AJIMOBI’S DEATH – OYO APC WOMEN

By
Peter Ayoade
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Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

As the 40-day Fidau prayer of the late former governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, holds today in his private residence, the leadership of the Women’s wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has disclosed that most members of the party as well as admirers of the deceased were yet to come to terms with the reality of his death for many good reasons.

Ajimobi died at a Lagos hospital on June 25, 2020 and he was buried in his Oluyole residence on June 28, 2020 in accordance with Islamic traditions. He was, until his death, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC having left office as the Executive Governor of the Pacesetter state on May 29, 2019 after serving for an unprecedented two terms of uninterrupted eight years.

Speaking with a cross section of journalists at the Party’s Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan on Wednesday, the APC’s State Woman Leader, Mrs Mabel Williams, described the late former governor as a quintessential leader, humanitarian par excellence and wonderful being whose memory would linger forever in the hearts of many people especially family members, political associates, admirers and good people of the state.

Her words; “it is still very difficult for many of us to accept the reality of the demise of our leader who spent the greater part of his 70 years on earth to serve his people, fatherland and humanity as a whole. Sen. Ajimobi was the best thing to have happened to us as women in the politics of the state because he was never tired of listening to us. Most monumental achievements he recorded as the governor of the state for eight years are there till tomorrow for the whole world to see and appreciate.

“As members of his immediate family put up arrangements for another Fidau prayers to mark the 40th day of his transition to glory, the teeming women population of Oyo APC are united in supplications for God to repose his soul and grant him eternal rest. We also use this avenue to sympathise with our mother, the immediate past First Lady of the state, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi and the entire Ajimobi family.

“We are grateful to God for giving Her Excellency, Mrs Ajimobi, the courage to cope with the challenges associated with the untimely death of her husband and we solemnly pray God Almighty to bless her with good health, peace of mind and longevity to enable her continue to paddle the canoe of family, societal and political service which her beloved husband has parted with.” Williams said.

Other members of the Wing who toed the line of Mrs Williams to extol the virtue of late former governor are; Mrs Toyin Ajibade (Deputy State Woman Leader), Mrs. Taiwo Motélèolá (Oyo South Senatorial district’s Woman Leader), Alhaja ‘Juwon Adewuyi (Oyo Central Senatorial district’s Woman Leader) and Mrs Juliana Ajuwon (Oyo North Senatorial district’s Woman Leader).

SCHOOLS’ RE-OPENING: NUT lauds Gov Makinde for providing Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment in schools

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Adams Akorede

The Oyo State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) rose from a meeting in Igbo-Ora, Ibarapaland on Wednesday to appraise partial reopening of schools in the State by the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
The SWEC at the end of their meeting held at Primary School Teachers’ Plaza, Idere Road in Igbo-Ora, commended the proactive and laudable decisions taken on reopening of schools to Basic six, Junior Secondary three as well as Senior Secondary School three to write their statutory final examinations.
In the two-page communique signed by the State NUT Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Tojuade Adedoyin and Comrade Mohammed Abdullahi respectively, said the State Government opened schools to the said students, having socially and medically observed the possible implications and threats the novel coronavirus may pose on our educational system if required timely interventions and actions were not scientifically taken to curtail its spread.
While commending their colleagues for their total adherence and compliance to the laid down protocols and directives on curtailment of Covid-19, the SWEC-In-Session, also sought colleagues’ adequate preparation and the needed brush-up of the terminal students who are getting ready for their final examinations.
The NUT also commended Governor Makinde’s giant and uncommon strides of prompt payment of the teachers’ salaries, allowances and other fringe benefits accrued to them as and when due, particularly during the current economic crunch occasioned by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
It also lauded the Governor for his commitment and strong determination at rejuvenating the State’s educational system through people-oriented educational policy, which it described as “a welcome development in the anal of history of the state education sector.”
The union however appealed to the Governor to graciously grant an approval to the payment of the backlog of 2018, 2019 and 2020 leave grants to the primary school teachers, in addition to the prompt and full payment of the second term School running grants to the primary school sub-sector.
It assured the Governor of its reliable, dependable and purposeful support in the attainment of his various educational action plans which are envisioned at repositioning Oyo State educational system “as pictured by our founding fathers and past heroes.”

Secondary School students in South West Nigeria engage in risky sexual behaviour -UI don 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

To Prevent rising cases of HIV among Youths in Nigeria, researchers have called on government to make public health intervention to reduce risky sexual behaviour among adolescents in Nigeria.

Alarmed that the two-third of the estimated 3million HIV infected persons in Nigeria are adolescents, Dr Ayodele Alonge, a CARTA graduate and lecturer at the University of Ibadan maintained that public health intervention should be planned and implemented purposely to improve the poor sexual behaviour of the in-school adolescents.

Dr Ayodele Alonge stated this while presenting the findings of the research funded by Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) at the dissemination meeting on the theme entitled ” The impact of Nollywood Movies on Awareness Creation about HIV and Risky Sexual Behaviours among in-School youths in Nigeria”

The research which was conducted in Lagos, Oyo and Osun states among secondary students between 12 and 16 years investigated through the analysis of Nollywood Movies’ sex related contents; how sexual messages and scenes are communicated to viewers, impact of such messages on viewers’ sexual behaviour and how this affects the sexual behaviour of in-school youths in South Western Nigeria.

According to him, “students’ sexual behaviour was poor as most of the students cannot insist on condom use when having sex and were enthusiastic to engage in sexual activities with someone not prepared to use condom.”

While noting that the students currently possess right perception of safe sexual behaviour and HIV, the researcher stated that this should be complemented through proper production of good public health intervention and proper monitoring by parents and guardians.

The study recommended that more public health intervention that teaches behaviour that can lead to curbing risky sex behaviour that leads to HIV should be promoted since such public health intervention will increase the students’ awareness to abstain from behaviours that can lead to risky sexual behaviour.

Public health intervention that will further teach students to possess more knowledge of sexual behaviour and HIV and AIDS should be produced more since the in-school adolescence currently possess average knowledge of sexual behaviour and HIV and AIDS and that knowledge of the in-school adolescents regarding sexual behaviour leading to HIV was moderate

“The students currently possess right perception of safe sexual behaviour and HIV, this should be complemented through proper production of good public health intervention and proper monitoring by parents and guardians. The students’ sexual behaviour was poor as most of the students cannot insist on condom use when having sex and were enthusiastic to engage in sexual activities with someone not prepared to use condom. It is therefore, recommended that public health intervention should be planned and implemented purposely to improve the poor sexual behaviour of the in-school adolescents. It was the third aim of this study to find out what the perception of in-school adolescent is as regards safe sexual behaviour and HIV. Results obtained from table 7 indicates that the students agreed that their parents talk with them about HIV/AIDs (269, 41.8%), they talk with their friends regarding HIV/AIDs (279, 43.3%), while they and their partners equally talk with each other about it (235, 36.5%). However, the majority of the respondents do feel comfortable discussing sexuality with their friends (254, 39.4%), do feel really comfortable discussing sexuality with their friends (268, 41.6%), do feel really comfortable discussing sexuality with their boy/girlfriend(s) (220, 34.2%), while 122(18.9%) do not feel embarrassed every time they talk to their father or mother about sex. This result translates to the fact that in-school adolescents have the right perception to safe sexual behaviour and HIV/AIDs. The fourth objective of this study was to determine the sexual behaviour of the students. The result of the six item scale measuring the sexual behaviour of students was poor. Aside being able to refuse transactional sex, the students cannot insist on condom use when having sex and were willing to engage in sexual activities with someone not prepared to use condom. However, they have moderate willingness to have sex with their boy/girlfriend to keep their relationship and can refuse to have sex if they are not interested and do not feel safe to have sex with someone they are familiar without using condom”

Universities can reopen when COVID-19 guidelines are in place – FG

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

The Federal Government has said universities in the country can resume lectures once they have put the necessary COVID-19 precautions in place.

The statement was made by, Suleiman Yusuf, the deputy executive secretary academics of the National Universities Commission (NUC), at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, August 4.

He said the commission is working with universities to discuss preparations that should be in place before reopening of the tertiary institutions.

Another official of the NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, who serves as the executive secretary of the commission stated that the agency is already collecting data from universities to assess their preparedness to resume academic activities.

He also disclosed that the NUC is trying to mediate with the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) to resolve the strike by university lecturers.

Recall that the Nigerians government closed its tertiary institutions along with lower schools in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

POLICE TORTURE: NUJ demands justice for deceased Omotoso, citizen Rasaq over human rights violation 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council on Tuesday demanded justice for citizen Jelili Rasaq and late Kehinde Omotosho who died in police custody recently.

The duo were on Friday July 17th arrested and detained till Wednesday July 22nd in lieu of another suspect, Kabiru during which Omotosho allegedly died in a mysterious manner in the hands of anti-Cultism Unit of the Oyo State Criminal Investigation Department.

The NUJ in a statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Ademola Babalola and Sola Oladapo respectively decried the ill treatment and flagrant violation of the rights of the affected citizens.

According to the NUJ, the Commissioner of Police, Nwachukwu Enwonwu who assumed office recently warned officers against abuse of human rights of citizens of the State.

The NUJ regretted that the alleged human right violation of the duo came six weeks after the CP read the riot act to his men against tramping on fundamental rights of citizens.

“I expect you to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens in the state as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. If I discover that you trample on the rights of the citizens, you are on your own. I want to urge you to go back to your divisions and maintain high level of discipline,” Enwonwu said on June 1, in his maiden address to the rank and file of the officers of the command.

The union asked the police boss to ‘walk his talk’ and institute thorough investigation into the matter with a view of bringing recalcitrant officers to book.

Curiously however, the victims of police brutality occurred, “in the early hours of Friday, 17th July 2020 (at about 12:30am), when several police officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Oyo State CID stormed the residence the duo of Rasaq and Omotosho at No. 2, Ifedapo Zone 2, Alaja Meta, Gbaremu, Idi-Obi, Ibadan, where the deceased resided alongside other tenants. The officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit were accompanied by some other police officers in Agugu Police Division, led by one officer identified simply as ‘SOJ’.

“After breaking down the door of Mr. Omotosho (now deceased), the police officers demanded to see one Mr. Kabiru who, about 5 months prior to that time, had moved to another apartment in a different vicinity.

“Upon realizing that their prime suspect, Mr. Kabiru, no longer resided in the apartment, the police officers arrested the two occupants of the house – Mr. Omotosho (now deceased) and one Mr. Jelili Razaq – in lieu of the suspect.

“At the point of arrest, both Mr. Omotosho and Mr. Jelili Razaq requested to know the crime for which they were being arrested but instead, the police officers gun-whipped them with their weapons several times. Thereafter, the police officers from the Agugu Police Division (led by SOJ) returned to the Agugu Station while officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit proceeded with both the deceased and Mr. Jelili Razaq to the State CID. They were thereafter locked in the cell, alongside about 130 (One Hundred and Thirty) inmates. This was around 1:20am on Friday, 17th July 2020.

“On Monday, 20th July 2020, the deceased and Mr. Jelili Razaq were brought before the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Cultism Unit for interview. In the course of the interview, the OC demanded that both the deceased and Mr. Jelili Razaq produce their prime suspect, Mr. Kabiru, before they could be released. However, both the deceased and Mr. Jelili Razaq informed the OC that they were all co-tenants, and that Mr. Kabiru had relocated to another place and did not inform them of his new location.

“Nevertheless, the OC insisted that their release would be consequent upon their production of Mr. Kabiru. They were, thereafter, returned to the cell. It was at the point of this interview that the police informed the deceased and Mr. Jelili Razaq that the prime suspect, Mr. Kabiru, was involved in a fight, which led to the death of a person. There was however no suspicion or allegation that either the deceased or Mr. Jelili Razaq were involved in the said fight or committed any crime whatsoever.

“The following day, i.e. on 21st July at about 5am, Mr. Kehinde Omotosho, died in police custody. Prior to his death, the deceased spent 5 days in detention while Mr. Jelili Razaq spent 6 days before being released on bail, both without any investigation, reasonable suspicion of crime, or arraignment.

“From the moment of their arrest and until the death of the deceased, the officers of the Anti-Cultism Unit prevented the deceased’s and Mr. Jelili Razaq’s family members from visiting them or providing them with food. Prior to his unlawful arrest, detention and death, the deceased had no underlying medical ailment”.

A law firm in Ibadan, Afe Babalola & Co, had last week, July 26th written a petition to the Inspector General of Police, reporting the arrest and detention of the duo of Rasaq and Omotosho, just as it detailed the suspicious death of Omotosho in police custody.

Tegbe visits De-Damak, Ajimobis, Ibadan Elders

By
Peter Ayoade
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Ibadan-born philantropist and the convener of Tegbe Foundation, Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, visited prominent religious and community leaders as part of activities marking the Eid-el Kabir festivities.

Tegbe, who sought the APC ticket for the 2019 election was spotted at the home of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Delta and Edo states, Chief Dahud Akinola.

He used the opportunity to interact with chieftain of the APC, including an aide to the Wife of the President, Hon Funke Adesiyan, a Senatorial aspirant on the platform of the party, Chief Femi Olaore among others

Our correspondent had earlier observed the presence of the technology expert at the Oluyole residence of the late former Governor of the state, Sen Abiola Ajimobi where he marked the festivities with the family and political associates of the former Governor.

Tegbe, who was named Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene also used the opportunity to visit some prominent Ibadan Elders, while playing host to numerous politicians and residents at his Bodija residence, as part of activities marking the Sallah.

Covid-19 is real, but it is not a death penalty – Late Ajimobi’s brother

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Peter Ayoade

The brother of the late governor of Oyo State, Mr. Adetunji Ajimobi has emphatically stated that Covid-19 is very real, but being tested positive is not the end of life.

The statement was made by the former governor’s brother, while speaking with Mayor Isaac Brown on the radio program tagged “Covid-19 Situation Report” on Fresh Fm on Monday morning. He noted that he was a Covid-19 victim before he recovered after a proper treatment at Olodo health centre in Ibadan, adding that the experience was not actually palatable but he has recovered.

According to him, “It started like malaria with severe headache, running of body temperature couple with serious body pain, which forced me to go for test”.

“It is not advisable for people to engage in what is called ‘self-medication’ even at the point of self isolation going by my awkward experiences while I was in insolation. Whenever anyone is feeling any strange symptom most especially at this sensitive period, Corona virus test should be considered to clear the person’s doubt. Prompt test is one of the things that saved me”.

“When I isolated myself before I took the bold step of going to the isolation centre, the drugs were no longer working for me, I was weak, I had lost my taste and smelling senses which made me to reach out to people for assistance before I resorted to Olodo isolation centre”.

The late former governor’s brother lauded the Oyo state Covid-19 team and the medical practitioners at Olodo isolation centre and pointed out that they are doing a great job, and pleaded that they should continue with the good works.

“As a recovered victim of Corona virus, I will advice everybody to use face masks, wash your hands regularly with hand sanitizer and most especially get tested as you might not see any sign. Prevention is better than cure, anybody could be infected”.

He however applauded Engr. Seyi Makinde for his unrelenting efforts to curb the virus and called on the Oyo state government to build more isolation centres.

CCII frowns against marginalization of Ibadan indigenes in Ibadanland

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has kicked against the marginalization of Ibadan Indigenes on the previous FG appointments and calls for redress.

The plead for redress for the marginalization was made by the President General, Chief Adeyemi Soladoye on behalf of all Ibadan indigenes Worldwide on Sunday during a press conference at Ibadan House.

In his expressions, “our attention was drawn to the highly commendable decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to name the Railway Stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Corridor after some deserving Nigerians of Yoruba extraction, as pronounced by the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, in the statement issued by his Ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Eric Ojekwe. The names of the beneficiaries were released to the regular press on Monday 27th July 2020. (See the Nigerian Tribune of Tuesday 28th July 2020)”.

“However, naming of Railway Stations after some eminent Yoruba citizens is a major issue that seeks for redress. The coveted List on release contained names of Ten (10) eminent Yoruba indigenes with the distribution as follows:- Four (4) Lagosians, Five (5) Ijebu/Egba and One (1) Ogbomoso. Please recall that the corridor under consideration is called Lagos-Ibadan Railway Corridor which ostensibly passes through Ogun State. We in Ibadan also noted the statement of the Ministry’s Director of Press on justification of the honour that “the deserving citizens have contributed to the progress and development of their respective communities and the nation at large”. At the moment, the only plausible position we Ibadan indigenes want to maintain is that the omission of Ibadan indigenes from the list is an innocent oversight as it is inconceivable to conclude that Ibadan Community covering 3,850 sq2 Km of Nigeria’s landmass with Eleven (11) Constitution – recognized Local Government Areas, population of over Three Million people and having served as the capital of the Yoruba Nation since the colonial era would not have at least one of its own citizens that has contributed to the progress and development of its community and Nigeria at large. In fact, at the risk of sounding immodest, most of the prominent names on the list served their communities and Nigeria at large through the platforms provided for them by Ibadan City. For avoidance of doubt, however, this Press Conference is not organized to register our objection to the honour done to any particular individual on the list but our own simple long overdue call of the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the neglect of a major section of Nigerians – the Ibadan People. We, in Ibadan relish with pride the fact that Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola cut their political teeth and achieved their national status through our accommodating them on Ibadanland. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu lived his early life in Ibadan City, Hon. Minister Raji Fashola is our highly cerebral and dutiful son-in-law, Prof. Wole Soyinka, without a second thought would claim Ibadan as his second home and the beautiful wife of our indefatigable Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was raised on Ibadan soil. To this extent, we are making it abundantly clear that this appeal is also not a veiled agitation of a hostile people who are determined to go up in arms against the Federal Government of Nigeria or that do not recognize the pre-eminent positions of the people who were deservedly honoured in the List compiled by the Honourable Minister of Transportation”.

To the discerning minds, a second look at the list provided by the FGN, would reveal that most of the people from other corridors across Nigeria were restricted to their states or communities of origin with the exception of the stations on Ibadanland.
Furthermore, some of the Yoruba people so honoured already have Universities, Stadia, Express Roads etc. named after them at National and State levels and some on Ibadan soil and we wonder the need for this overkill to the detriment and neglect of the owners of the land. We surely know in our minds that most of the beneficiaries of this honour would also find it embarrassing that a list like that could be released without a single Ibadan indigene in the face of the fact that about three (3) of the stations are located on Ibadan soil. Now going by the list provided vis-a-vis the contributions and pre-eminent position of many Ibadan indigenes worldwide, we the entire indigenes of Ibadanland believe that whatever qualified Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Ijebu) or Chief Ladoke Akintola (Ogbomoso), for that honour on Ibadan soil would over qualify Alh. Adegoke Adelabu (1915-1958) and Chief Augustus Adisa Akinloye- the National Chairman, National Party of Nigeria (1979 -1983). We know that what qualified Chief Mrs Funmilayo Ransome Kuti would qualify High Chief (Mrs) Wuraola Esan, the late Iyalode of Ibadanland and first female Senator, Western Nigeria or Dr. (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, CON, – Two time female Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whatever criteria that was used to honour Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Akinrogun Olusegun Osoba of Lagos and Ogun States respectively would qualify – Dr. Omololu Olunloyo or late Chief Kolapo Ishola or late Alh. Lam Adesina or Sen. Rashidi Ladoja – all former Governors of Oyo State that are of Ibadan descent. The same criteria that qualified Chief Alex Ekwueme would speak for Chief Richard Akinjide (1931-2020) – former Parliamentarian (1959-1965) Federal Minister of Education (1965-1966) and Nigerias Attorney General and Minister for Justice (1979-1983). We, Ibadan people, hereby proudly say that what qualified Mr. Raji Fashola for a station on Lagos land would also qualify the Late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (1949-2020) for recognition on Ibadan soil”.

“From the Military circle, Ibadan has the likes of the late Air Vice Marshal Nureni Yussuff (rtd) – Former Chief of Air Staff, Maj. Gen. Samuel Adewole Adejumo (rtd) – Former Ag. Military Gov. Plateau State, Commander Nig. Arm Signal, Principal Staff Officer, Army & Defence H/O.; Brig-Gen. Raji Alagbe Rasaki (rtd) – Former Military Gov. of Ogun and Lagos States and Rear Admiral Isaac Areola (rtd) – Former Minister for Commerce and Tourism among many other Ibadan indigenes that are deserving of such honour.

With the above revelation at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), we are convinced that this listening Government of President Muhamadu Buhari will honour some of these prominent Ibadan indigenes with some of the Stations along the Rail Corridor, on Ibadan soil, if need be by removing any of the already announced names or with other stations yet unnamed between Omi Adio and the terminal point at Olorisa Oko all on Ibadanland”.

“In addition, appointment of Vice-Chancellors at the University of Ibadan (U.I.) is another germane issue that must be addressed by the Federal Government.
While we, Ibadan people, may say that the lopsided naming of Railway stations on Ibadanland is the proverbial “last straw” that this time broke the silence of Ibadan people, the appointment of Vice- Chancellors at the University of Ibadan (U.I.) is another sore-point to which we hereby humbly draw the attention of all Members of the Senate, the Council, the Visitor, the Supervising Minister and the entire academic community of this great citadel of learning. The University of Ibadan established in 1948, sits on 2,550 Acres of land, released to the institution for 999 years by our fathers with a “Thank You” handshake, One Guinea (£1.1s) and a bottle of Schnap. By this year, the University of Ibadan is 72 years old and has produced 14 Nigerian Vice
Chancellors between 1960 and today but inexcusably, no Ibadanman has ever emerged as the Vice-Chancellor of the University. Out of the 14 serving and former Nigerian Vice-Chancellors of the University, (including Acting) Ten (10) are of Yoruba descent -7 Ijesha (Osun State), 2 Ijebu (Ogun State) and 1 Offa (Kwara State). The other four (4) from Prof. Kenneth Dike to Prof. Tekena Tamuno were from non-Yoruba part of Nigeria”.

“A further analysis of this highly instructive record shows that the occupancy of the position of Vice-Chancellor of U.I. in the past 41 years (since the exit of Prof. Tekena Tamuno in 1979) and emergence of Prof. S.O. Olayide – Obokun-Ijesha man (Osun State), the Ijesha people have occupied the position for 24 years – 1979-1983, 1995-2005 and 2010-2020; Ijebu (Ogun State) for 12 years and Offa (Kwara State) for 4 years.
We wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigerians to the fact that this neglect is not for absence of qualified Ibadan indigenes within the U.I system or in the academic circle of Nigeria to occupy the coveted seat of the Vice-Chancellor of the U.I.

In the days of only one Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the top management cadre of U.I, Prof. Olusola Akinyele (an Ibadan Professor of Mathematics) was to take over from Prof. Ayo Banjo in 1991 but by sudden twist of military and political fiat, the opportunity eluded Ibadanland. Prof. Akinyele’s frustration and disappointment reached such a depressing level that the erudite Professor relocated overseas and never came back since then. In 1995, Prof. Wole Akinboade of Veterinary Medicine, another Ibadan man contested and again, it was opportunity lost. In nearby Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife (OAU), Prof. Ayobami Salami, another Ibadan man and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics (the No. 2 position in the OAU hierarchy) was a front runner in the race for the Vice-Chancellorship of OAU in 2017, but alas, it was again the ‘Akinyele treatment’. Thanks to the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi who threw in a life line in appointing Prof. Ayobami Salami as the Vice-Chancellor of the state created Technical University which prevented another ‘Akinyele Experience’.

Now, the tenure of the current amiable and friendly Vice-Chancellor of U.I. Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka will expire in Three (3) Months time (Nov. 2020). On the race for his suitable replacement are some Ten (10) erudite Professors out of whom are these Four sons of Ibadanland, presented in order of when we gave birth to them:-

1) *Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade* – Born Nov. 1961, Author, Former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Former University Orator and Current Member, University of Ibadan Governing Council.

2) *Prof. Kayode Adebowale*, mni. – Born Jan. 1962, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration (No. 2 by U.I. hierarchy); former Dean, Faculty of Science; Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Science; Former Director, Special Duties, Office of the Vice-Chancellor and graduate of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

3) *Prof. Emiola Olapade-Olaopa* – Born Oct. 1963, the Immediate Past Provost of the College of Medicine, UCH; Former Member University of Ibadan Governing Council; Author and Co-author in diverse disciplines.

4) *Prof. Kolapo Hamzat* – Born June 1970, Youngest Professor of Physiotherapy in Africa by 2009; Current University Orator; Current Head of Dept. of Physiotherapy; 1st Ph.D. holder in Physiotherapy in West Africa; 1st Prof. of Neurological Physiotherapy in Africa; Fellow African Academy of Science.

It is important that we advise decision-makers in this race to be wary of Compus Political Jobbers as we hereby confirm that 1) all the four (4) candidates are bonafide Ibadan indigenes and 2) the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) or the Olubadan of Ibadanland has no anointed candidate out of the four (4) of them. Our singular goal is to see that the U.I Academic Community appoints that Ibadan man known to be best suited for the job with a view to taking the Institution to Harvard, Oxford or Cambridge level. In fact, we have some other eminently qualified Ibadan indigenes currently in Deputy Vice-Chancellorship positions who opted to defer their ambitions this time around solely to enable the University System throw-up the best Ibadan candidate in the current race.

It is in the face of this revelations, that we Ibadan people in unison say that, be it in consideration of our land donation that gave birth to the University in the first place or the brilliant credentials of our sons as indicated above or as mark of equity, justice and fair play, we hereby humbly appeal to members of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, the Senate and other respected stakeholders of this citadel of learning to please work for the emergence of an Ibadan man this time around. We also appeal to the University’s Visitor – President Muhamadu Buhari, our Hon. Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, the Committee of non-Ibadan former Vice-Chancellors of U.I. (all of whom received the support and cooperation of Ibadanland during their tenures and now wholesomely integration in to “Ibadan Family” after their tenures), our Hon. Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and all other stakeholders on the project to use their good offices to put a stop to this seeming reckless marginalization of Ibadan people on Ibadan land. In similar vein, it is also now 54 years since Ibadan gave large expanse of land to build the University College Hospital (UCH), still, no Ibadan man has ever emerged as the Chief Medical Director of UCH – this one again seems to be the exclusive right of the indigenes of Ekiti and Ondo States. Sincerely, these records call for caution even on the part of the beneficiaries.
Despite all the above, everybody is aware of the trademarks of Tolerance and Hospitability of Ibadan people. All ethnic and religious groups, in Nigeria live in wisely assigned compounds on Ibadan land and there has never been ethnic or religious riot on Ibadanland. We do not want innocent oversight on the part of some Nigerians to cause disharmony between us and our Yoruba kinsmen but then this handshake is going too far beyond the elbow”.

“Lastly, it is also pertinent to seize this opportunity to draw the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the apparent sidelining of Ibadan indigenes in particular on Ministerial appointments and in general key federal positions in Nigeria since the APC took over the reigns of power at the Federal level in 2015. We know the huge financial and reputational Investments of the numerous Ibadan APC candidates in the 2015 and 2019 General Elections at the Gubernatorial, Senatorial and other levels. Ibadanland has over 50% of the registered voters in Oyo State and though the current Governor of the state might not have emerged from APC, yet the votes of Ibadan people in absolute terms played significant roles in the emergence of APC candidates at Presidential, Senatorial and House of Rep. levels. To live happily with the realization that Ibadanland does not deserve even a junior Minister position or any other key Federal appointment since 2015 is in fact a strange dimension in the political equation of Nigeria. Sincerely, Ibadan has never been so discountenanced as is happening now since the advent of the 1st Republic in 1960. It is getting clearer that what we Ibadan people all along regard as mere oversight is now pilling up to wear the toga of deliberate neglect. We humbly appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to please quickly redress our grievances in the best manner possible”.

“We Ibadan people do not want to believe that our roles in Nigeria is just to donate lands and cast votes. We have had to donate large expanse of land for the Inland Dry Port very recently and while we thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for this developmental project, everybody is aware of its side effect of transferring the Apapa Port Gridlock to Ibadanland. We also do not want to believe that we have been permanently confined to second-fiddle positions in the Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. Whereas, dividends of democracy and economic growth in Ibadan belongs to the entire South West Nigeria, our Governments at all levels should know that when it comes to the ugly sides of politics like Students riot (the Kunle Adepeju saga of 1971), Political riots (the Wild Wild West of 1964/1965, the June 12 saga of 1993) – Ibadan city usually bears the brunt most on Yoruba Land. Ibadan will continue to give its maximum support to the Federal Government of Nigeria, maintain its record of no militancy against constituted authorities and provide responsible leadership and direction in South West Nigeria for our continued corporate existence. We appeal to all concerned to give favourable responses to our demands and to always remember to give the deserved priority of space and attention to Ibadanland and its people in view of our position of strategic importance in the scheme of things in Nigeria” he concluded.

FOR THE RECORD: CCII alleges marginalisation of Ibadan indigenes on UI, other Federal Appointments, takes agitation to Buhari

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

Being Text on The Press Conference organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on the issues of the naming of Stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line corridor and appointment of a Vice-Chancellor for the University of Ibadan (U.I.)

1. *Introduction*
Our attention was drawn to the highly commendable decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to name the Railway Stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Corridor after some deserving Nigerians of Yoruba extraction, as pronounced by the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, in the statement issued by his Ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Eric Ojekwe. The names of the beneficiaries were released to the regular press on Monday 27th July 2020. (See the Nigerian Tribune of Tuesday 28th July 2020).

2. *Naming of Railway Stations after some eminent Yoruba citizens*
The coveted List on release contained names of Ten (10) eminent Yoruba indigenes with the distribution as follows:- Four (4) Lagosians, Five (5) Ijebu/Egba and One (1) Ogbomoso. Please recall that the corridor under consideration is called Lagos-Ibadan Railway Corridor which ostensibly passes through Ogun State. We in Ibadan also noted the statement of the Ministry’s Director of Press on justification of the honour that “the deserving citizens have contributed to the progress and development of their respective communities and the nation at large”. At the moment, the only plausible position we Ibadan indigenes want to maintain is that the omission of Ibadan indigenes from the list is an innocent oversight as it is inconceivable to conclude that Ibadan Community covering 3,850 sq2 Km of Nigeria’s landmass with Eleven (11) Constitution – recognized Local Government Areas, population of over Three Million people and having served as the capital of the Yoruba Nation since the colonial era would not have at least one of its own citizens that has contributed to the progress and development of its community and Nigeria at large. In fact, at the risk of sounding immodest, most of the prominent names on the list served their communities and Nigeria at large through the platforms provided for them by Ibadan City. For avoidance of doubt, however, this Press Conference is not organized to register our objection to the honour done to any particular individual on the list but our own simple long overdue call of the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the neglect of a major section of Nigerians – the Ibadan People. We, in Ibadan relish with pride the fact that Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola cut their political teeth and achieved their national status through our accommodating them on Ibadanland. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu lived his early life in Ibadan City, Hon. Minister Raji Fashola is our highly cerebral and dutiful son-in-law, Prof. Wole Soyinka, without a second thought would claim Ibadan as his second home and the beautiful wife of our indefatigable Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was raised on Ibadan soil. To this extent, we are making it abundantly clear that this appeal is also not a veiled agitation of a hostile people who are determined to go up in arms against the Federal Government of Nigeria or that do not recognize the pre-eminent positions of the people who were deservedly honoured in the List compiled by the Honourable Minister of Transportation.
To the discerning minds, a second look at the list provided by the FGN, would reveal that most of the people from other corridors across Nigeria were restricted to their states or communities of origin with the exception of the stations on Ibadanland.
Furthermore, some of the Yoruba people so honoured already have Universities, Stadia, Express Roads etc. named after them at National and State levels and some on Ibadan soil and we wonder the need for this overkill to the detriment and neglect of the owners of the land. We surely know in our minds that most of the beneficiaries of this honour would also find it embarrassing that a list like that could be released without a single Ibadan indigene in the face of the fact that about three (3) of the stations are located on Ibadan soil. Now going by the list provided vis-a-vis the contributions and pre-eminent position of many Ibadan indigenes worldwide, we the entire indigenes of Ibadanland believe that whatever qualified Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Ijebu) or Chief Ladoke Akintola (Ogbomoso), for that honour on Ibadan soil would over qualify Alh. Adegoke Adelabu (1915-1958) and Chief Augustus Adisa Akinloye- the National Chairman, National Party of Nigeria (1979 -1983). We know that what qualified Chief Mrs Funmilayo Ransome Kuti would qualify High Chief (Mrs) Wuraola Esan, the late Iyalode of Ibadanland and first female Senator, Western Nigeria or Dr. (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, CON, – Two time female Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whatever criteria that was used to honour Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Akinrogun Olusegun Osoba of Lagos and Ogun States respectively would qualify – Dr. Omololu Olunloyo or late Chief Kolapo Ishola or late Alh. Lam Adesina or Sen. Rashidi Ladoja – all former Governors of Oyo State that are of Ibadan descent. The same criteria that qualified Chief Alex Ekwueme would speak for Chief Richard Akinjide (1931-2020) – former Parliamentarian (1959-1965) Federal Minister of Education (1965-1966) and Nigerias Attorney General and Minister for Justice (1979-1983). We, Ibadan people, hereby proudly say that what qualified Mr. Raji Fashola for a station on Lagos land would also qualify the Late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (1949-2020) for recognition on Ibadan soil.
Lastly from the Military circle, Ibadan has the likes of the late Air Vice Marshal Nureni Yussuff (rtd) – Former Chief of Air Staff, Maj. Gen. Samuel Adewole Adejumo (rtd) – Former Ag. Military Gov. Plateau State, Commander Nig. Arm Signal, Principal Staff Officer, Army & Defence H/O.; Brig-Gen. Raji Alagbe Rasaki (rtd) – Former Military Gov. of Ogun and Lagos States and Rear Admiral Isaac Areola (rtd) – Former Minister for Commerce and Tourism among many other Ibadan indigenes that are deserving of such honour .

With the above revelation at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), we are convinced that this listening Government of President Muhamadu Buhari will honour some of these prominent Ibadan indigenes with some of the Stations along the Rail Corridor, on Ibadan soil, if need be by removing any of the already announced names or with other stations yet unnamed between Omi Adio and the terminal point at Olorisa Oko all on Ibadanland.

3. *Appointment of Vice-Chancellors at the University of Ibadan (U.I.)*
While we, Ibadan people, may say that the lopsided naming of Railway stations on Ibadanland is the proverbial “last straw” that this time broke the silence of Ibadan people, the appointment of Vice- Chancellors at the University of Ibadan (U.I.) is another sore-point to which we hereby humbly draw the attention of all Members of the Senate, the Council, the Visitor, the Supervising Minister and the entire academic community of this great citadel of learning. The University of Ibadan established in 1948, sits on 2,550 Acres of land, released to the institution for 999 years by our fathers with a “Thank You” handshake, One Guinea (£1.1s) and a bottle of Schnap. By this year, the University of Ibadan is 72 years old and has produced 14 Nigerian Vice
Chancellors between 1960 and today but inexcusably, no Ibadanman has ever emerged as the Vice-Chancellor of the University. Out of the 14 serving and former Nigerian Vice-Chancellors of the University, (including Acting) Ten (10) are of Yoruba descent -7 Ijesha (Osun State), 2 Ijebu (Ogun State) and 1 Offa (Kwara State). The other four (4) from Prof. Kenneth Dike to Prof. Tekena Tamuno were from non-Yoruba part of Nigeria.

A further analysis of this highly instructive record shows that the occupancy of the position of Vice-Chancellor of U.I. in the past 41 years (since the exit of Prof. Tekena Tamuno in 1979) and emergence of Prof. S.O. Olayide – Obokun-Ijesha man (Osun State), the Ijesha people have occupied the position for 24 years – 1979-1983, 1995-2005 and 2010-2020; Ijebu (Ogun State) for 12 years and Offa (Kwara State) for 4 years.
We wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigerians to the fact that this neglect is not for absence of qualified Ibadan indigenes within the U.I system or in the academic circle of Nigeria to occupy the coveted seat of the Vice-Chancellor of the U.I.

In the days of only one Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the top management cadre of U.I, Prof. Olusola Akinyele (an Ibadan Professor of Mathematics) was to take over from Prof. Ayo Banjo in 1991 but by sudden twist of military and political fiat, the opportunity eluded Ibadanland. Prof. Akinyele’s frustration and disappointment reached such a depressing level that the erudite Professor relocated overseas and never came back since then. In 1995, Prof. Wole Akinboade of Veterinary Medicine, another Ibadan man contested and again, it was opportunity lost. In nearby Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife (OAU), Prof. Ayobami Salami, another Ibadan man and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics (the No. 2 position in the OAU hierarchy) was a front runner in the race for the Vice-Chancellorship of OAU in 2017, but alas, it was again the ‘Akinyele treatment’. Thanks to the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi who threw in a life line in appointing Prof. Ayobami Salami as the Vice-Chancellor of the state created Technical University which prevented another ‘Akinyele Experience’.

Now, the tenure of the current amiable and friendly Vice-Chancellor of U.I. Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka will expire in Three (3) Months time (Nov. 2020). On the race for his suitable replacement are some Ten (10) erudite Professors out of whom are these Four (4) sons of Ibadanland, presented in order of when we gave birth to them:-

1) *Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade* – Born Nov. 1961, Author, Former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Former University Orator and Current Member, University of Ibadan Governing Council.

2) *Prof. Kayode Adebowale*, mni. – Born Jan. 1962, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration (No. 2 by U.I. hierarchy); former Dean, Faculty of Science; Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Science; Former Director, Special Duties, Office of the Vice-Chancellor and graduate of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

3) *Prof. Emiola Olapade-Olaopa* – Born Oct. 1963, the Immediate Past Provost of the College of Medicine, UCH; Former Member University of Ibadan Governing Council; Author and Co-author in diverse disciplines.

4) *Prof. Kolapo Hamzat* – Born June 1970, Youngest Professor of Physiotherapy in Africa by 2009; Current University Orator; Current Head of Dept. of Physiotherapy; 1st Ph.D. holder in Physiotherapy in West Africa; 1st Prof. of Neurological Physiotherapy in Africa; Fellow African Academy of Science.

It is important that we advise decision-makers in this race to be wary of Compus Political Jobbers as we hereby confirm that 1) all the four (4) candidates are bonafide Ibadan indigenes and 2) the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) or the Olubadan of Ibadanland has no anointed candidate out of the four (4) of them. Our singular goal is to see that the U.I Academic Community appoints that Ibadan man known to be best suited for the job with a view to taking the Institution to Harvard, Oxford or Cambridge level. In fact, we have some other eminently qualified Ibadan indigenes currently in Deputy Vice-Chancellorship positions who opted to defer their ambitions this time around solely to enable the University System throw-up the best Ibadan candidate in the current race.

It is in the face of this revelations, that we Ibadan people in unison say that, be it in consideration of our land donation that gave birth to the University in the first place or the brilliant credentials of our sons as indicated above or as mark of equity, justice and fair play, we hereby humbly appeal to members of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, the Senate and other respected stakeholders of this citadel of learning to please work for the emergence of an Ibadan man this time around. We also appeal to the University’s Visitor – President Muhamadu Buhari, our Hon. Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, the Committee of non-Ibadan former Vice-Chancellors of U.I. (all of whom received the support and cooperation of Ibadanland during their tenures and now wholesomely integration in to “Ibadan Family” after their tenures), our Hon. Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and all other stakeholders on the project to use their good offices to put a stop to this seeming reckless marginalization of Ibadan people on Ibadan land. In similar vein, it is also now 54 years since Ibadan gave large expanse of land to build the University College Hospital (UCH), still, no Ibadan man has ever emerged as the Chief Medical Director of UCH – this one again seems to be the exclusive right of the indigenes of Ekiti and Ondo States. Sincerely, these records call for caution even on the part of the beneficiaries.
Despite all the above, everybody is aware of the trademarks of Tolerance and Hospitability of Ibadan people. All ethnic and religious groups, in Nigeria live in wisely assigned compounds on Ibadan land and there has never been ethnic or religious riot on Ibadanland. We do not want innocent oversight on the part of some Nigerians to cause disharmony between us and our Yoruba kinsmen but then this handshake is going too far beyond the elbow.

4. *Key Federal Government Appointments under President Muhammadu Buhari*
Lastly, it is also pertinent to seize this opportunity to draw the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the apparent sidelining of Ibadan indigenes in particular on Ministerial appointments and in general key federal positions in Nigeria since the APC took over the reigns of power at the Federal level in 2015. We know the huge financial and reputational Investments of the numerous Ibadan APC candidates in the 2015 and 2019 General Elections at the Gubernatorial, Senatorial and other levels. Ibadanland has over 50% of the registered voters in Oyo State and though the current Governor of the state might not have emerged from APC, yet the votes of Ibadan people in absolute terms played significant roles in the emergence of APC candidates at Presidential, Senatorial and House of Rep. levels. To live happily with the realization that Ibadanland does not deserve even a junior Minister position or any other key Federal appointment since 2015 is in fact a strange dimension in the political equation of Nigeria. Sincerely, Ibadan has never been so discountenanced as is happening now since the advent of the 1st Republic in 1960. It is getting clearer that what we Ibadan people all along regard as mere oversight is now pilling up to wear the toga of deliberate neglect. We humbly appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to please quickly redress our grievances in the best manner possible.

5. *Conclusion*
We Ibadan people do not want to believe that our roles in Nigeria is just to donate lands and cast votes. We have had to donate large expanse of land for the Inland Dry Port very recently and while we thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for this developmental project, everybody is aware of its side effect of transferring the Apapa Port Gridlock to Ibadanland. We also do not want to believe that we have been permanently confined to second-fiddle positions in the Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. Whereas, dividends of democracy and economic growth in Ibadan belongs to the entire South West Nigeria, our Governments at all levels should know that when it comes to the ugly sides of politics like Students riot (the Kunle Adepeju saga of 1971), Political riots (the Wild Wild West of 1964/1965, the June 12 saga of 1993) – Ibadan city usually bears the brunt most on Yoruba Land. Ibadan will continue to give its maximum support to the Federal Government of Nigeria, maintain its record of no militancy against constituted authorities and provide responsible leadership and direction in South West Nigeria for our continued corporate existence. We appeal to all concerned to give favourable responses to our demands and to always remember to give the deserved priority of space and attention to Ibadanland and its people in view of our position of strategic importance in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

Thank you.

*Chief Adeyemi Soladoye*
President General,
Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)
On behalf of all Ibadan Indigenes Worldwide.

SCHOOLS RE-OPENING: Oyo Govt hails teachers, highlights new school calender 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Oyo State Government has hailed teachers in the state as the heroes of the successful resumption of classes in the state despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said in a statement on Sunday that the state government was appreciative of the commitment of the teachers to its programmes.

The statement quoted the Commissioner as praising all the teachers who took part in the revision exercises for terminal students from July 6, 2020.

Terminal classes including Senior Secondary School Three (3), Junior Secondary Three (3) and Primary Six (6) pupils resumed classes in Oyo State on July 6, despite alarms raised by the Federal Government and some education stakeholders.

The Commissioner stated that the unalloyed support of teachers and stakeholders in the Oyo State education sector as well as the hard work they put into the preparation for the resumption of academic activities in the various Schools were commendable.

Barr. Olaleye said: “Your dedication to work, love for your students and personal involvement in the training and observance of COVID 19 protocols in the bid to curtail coronavirus infection among our School Children are unparalleled.”

He noted that though COVID-19 is real and unabating at the moment, the state would defeat the virus with “science, diligence and courage.”

He added: “I pray that all our efforts at recording success in all Examinations by our students will not be in vain.”

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Ministry of Education has also announced slight adjustments to the school calendar earlier made public.

The adjustment, according to the Commissioner, was in conformity with the agreement reached by the Federal and State Governments with the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), by which the commencement date of the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has now been fixed for 17th August of this year.

The statement further added that there would be continuation of lessons for SS3 Class till the commencement of WASSCE on August 17, 2020, with the SS3 students expected to resume to their respective schools on Monday, 3 August, 2020 after the Eid-el-Kabir break.

According to the statement, Junior Secondary Class 3 and Primary 6 Classes are to proceed on holiday as earlier scheduled and resume for their Examinations on the 10th and 20 August, 2020 respectively.

While appreciating all stakeholders in the education sector for cooperating with Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the state, Barr. Olaleye enjoined all parents and members of the public to take note of the new development and other schedules on the Academic Calendar approved by the Oyo State Executive Council.

Shina Peller adds 3 more beneficiaries to his scholarship scheme

By
Peter Ayoade
-

A lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, Oyo State at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Hon. Shina Peller has added three of his constituents to the list of the beneficiaries of his scholarship scheme.

The newly-added beneficiaries of his scholarship scheme are Adeoti Bakiyat Abidemi, a 100 level undergraduate student of Food Technology at the University of Ilorin, Adeoti Rahmot Oyinlade, a S.S.S. 2 Science student at Kelani College, Iseyin and Wasiu Edrees, a student at the School of the Handicapped, Adieomu, Ekunle, Iseyin.

The two Adeotis, whose father passed away about two weeks ago, are awarded scholarship by Hon. Peller to ease the financial burden of the family, whilst Wasiu Edrees made the list due to his talented attributes which the federal legislator considers identifying with.

It would be recalled that prior to this new addition, more than ten (10) of Hon. Peller’s constituents had been undergoing their academic pursuit at various levels under the Shina Ayo Scholarship Scheme, whilst four others had successfully graduated from the Car Wrap Academy, courtesy of Hon. Peller’s sponsorship.

Let’s be our brother’s keeper says Sharafadeen Alli as Muslims celebrate Sallah

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Amidst coronavirus pandemic which has rendered many businesses prostrate and make lives miserable to many, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli on Thursday, admonished spirited Nigerians to support the needy, to jointly mitigate the effects of excruciating economic downturn in the land.

Alli spoke to journalists at his Oke Aremo, Ibadan North local government family house after observing Eid prayers in Ibadan, the State capital.

The 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the State who alongside three other contenders stepped down to form coalition that brought to power, the current government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said there was still room for the living to thank Allah and celebrate with moderation.

According to him, “like Eid-el-Fitri that we witnessed about three months ago after Ramadan, this Sallah which signified piety,  sacrifice and absolute belief in Allah who is worthy of our supplication, came amidst Covid-19.

“This pandemic has reconstructed our lives and we now live in a new world of what we now know as new normal. Many businesses are today lying prostrate with its attendant effect on people’s means of livelihood.

“Yet we must remain prayerful and own our action as individual and as a people. Also, there is still room for us to thank God for His unfailing blessings over us.

“We may not be where we want to be at the moment but God who has the absolute control of our lives and future, will grant us His grace to celebrate many more Sallah in abundance laced with quality life of meaningful contributions to lift many out of poverty.

“I rejoice with all Muslims especially our leader and former Governor of the State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, the Aseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Ajinase and all royal leaders in the State.

“I urge all to celebrate with moderation and follow all Covid-19 protocols so as not to fall victims of this ravaging pandemic. May Allah heal our world and grant the sick quick recovery, amen,” Alli prayed.

Senator JUST IN: Folarin Arrives Ajimobi’s House to Celebrate Eid-el-Kabir [PHOTOS]

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Oloye Teslim Folarin earlier has arrived Ajimobi Oluyole residence to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir with the immediate family of late former Governor of Oyo State and Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi.

A special prayers session for the late Governor and his family was coordinated by the State Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya. COVID-19 guidelines are strictly being observed by the congregation.

In attendance were the immediate past Secretary to State Government of Oyo State, Alhaji Olalekan Ali, Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to President Buhari’s wife – Hon. Funke Adesiyan, former commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bimbo Adekanbi, Oyo State ALGON Chairman, Prince Abass Aleshinloye, Oloye Akinade Fijabi, Hon. Seyi Adisa, some sacked council chairmen, chieftains of APC and other stakeholders

Rep Adigun Agboworin tasks Muslims on ideals of Sallah celebration 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

A member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, Honourable Abass Adigun popularly called Agboworin, has charged Muslim faithful in the state to continue to demonstrate beyond the Sallah celebrations, the ideals of piety, empathy, charity and solidarity hallmarking Eid-el-kabir.

In his Sallah message, Honourable Adigun, who represents Ibadan North-East /Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said it is by living those ideals that the state and the country as well as the world can be a better place.

He enjoins Muslims to use the celebration to pray for the sustainance of the peace in Oyo State and the steady progress being made by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.

The lawmaker, who congratulated his constituents for the grace to witness another Eid-el-kabir festival, assured them he will continue to champion their cause in the National Assembly and prioritise their welfare.

“We are celebrating this year’s Sallah in an unusual circumstance foisted on us by the Covid-19 pandemic which has not only slowed global economic growth, but also redefined life and living.

“To be alive is great grace. We may not be able to celebrate elaborately as we used to, but the gift of life we have, especially when we reflect on those who are not fortunate to see this day, is worth glorifying Allah for.

“Let’s celebrate with moderation, while not abandoning the protocols put in place by Covid-19 officials, including washing our hands, face masking and maintaining social distancing,” the lawmaker said.

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