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Olopoeyan is a brother and credible politician in Oyo State, says Adelabu

By Oluwakemi Ishola

The 2019 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Bayo Adelabu, has described a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, as a great leader and Light, which every politician gravitate towards.

Chief Adelabu made this disclosure on Saturday while featuring on Political Circuit, a socio-political programme anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown on Fresh FM Ibadan 105.9hz. According to Adelabu, “Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan and I have a very good relationship as brothers irrespective of our political differences”.

”Olopoeyan is my egbon, that is one thing about Ibadan and Oyo state, we are all brothers and politics should not separate us. Our political difference has not defeated the fact that we are brothers. After the 2019 elections, we are back as brothers”.

When asked if he and Olopoeyan are now holding meetings, Adelabu said he never visited the PDP chieftain for political reasons.

”Which meetings ? If I visit Olopoeyan today, it is because he is big brother. However, I must admit the fact that he is a credible politician” he concluded.

OYO COVID-19 UPDATE: 51 New Cases Recorded on Saturday

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Oyo State has recorded 51 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 860. Despite the spike, the state drops to 5th position on the national COVID-19 log.

The new active cases were revealed in the routine update released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) late Saturday.

The Pacesetter News understands that No. of Cases on admission in Oyo COVID-19 facilities are 569; Number of Discharged patients are 282 and Number of Deaths recorded stands at 9.

On the 20th of June 2020, 661 new confirmed cases and 19 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. Having carried out 111,052 tests, 19808 cases have been confirmed, 6718 cases have been discharged and 506 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The 661 new cases are reported from 14 states- Lagos(230), Rivers(127), Delta(83), FCT(60), Oyo(51), Edo(31),Bayelsa(27), Kaduna(25), Plateau(13), Ondo(6), Nasarawa(3), Ekiti(2), Kano(2), Borno(1).

The Man Called Alakanji Abiola Ajimobi |Hon. Adigun Murphy

Liberty is the right of every man to be honest, to think and to speak without hypocrisy – Jose Marti

History might not be kind to me if i fail to appreciate the man who brought me to political limelight as far as Nigeria Politics is concerned. I will never be ungrateful to forget how our political journey started as far back as 2007 when you gave me everything needed to contest as an Assembly Member in the State.

Life which is cyclic in nature and politics which can swing at a very high pace made it understandable when everything was not going smoothly between us, we have fought basically because of politics which made us look like enemies in the past

However, like an adage would say that no matter what life brings forth we should never forget the source, the hand that gave help and the voice that was used to be heard. No matter what might have happened between us in the past, you will forever be a LEADER to be RECKON with

Without any fear or favour, i will like to firstly congratulate you on your assumption as the ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN of ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) in which I have total confidence in your leadership capacity to steer the affairs peacefully, harmonize aggrieved members and ensure the party’s success in subsequent elections.

Your appointment is a blessing in disguise to every sons and daughters of the pace setter state and a strong signal to every well meaning Nigerians that in Oyo State we have illustrious, industrious, progressives, able and capable hands to handle any positions in the country. Permit me to say that ABIOLA AJIMOBI is a PRIDE to us all in the State.

Worryingly, the last 24 hours has posed a great threat to us all in the pace setter when some unscrupulous elements announced your demise which had been greatly debunked by all and sundry

I want to reiterate here today that our own Prodigious Son, Father, Mentor and Boss is ALIVE and need our Prayer for him to come out stronger more than ever, hence, the public should however stay away from rumours surrounding the news.

On behalf of myself, my families and my political group, we wish you a quicker recovery so as for you to continue the good work and take up the task ahead of you as the Acting National Chairman of APC.

Hon Adigun Hammed Abiodun ( Murphy)
Former Whip of the House of Assembly, Oyo State

South-West PDP leaders meet, resolve to forge common front ahead 2023  

By Adams Akorede

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West geo-political zone, met in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday, resolving to ensure the party is built into a strong, indissoluble structure.

The meeting, which was held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, affirmed the resolve of stakeholders in the party to embrace the principles of equity and fairness in the distribution of positions due to the zone henceforth.

The Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, who presided over the meeting, said that the leaders resolved to build “an indivisible, united and strong entity under PDP’s umbrella.”

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the meeting was attended by Governor Makinde and three former governors on the ticket of the party.

They include the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olugunsoye Oyinlola, former Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, his predecessor in office, Engineer Segun Oni, as well as a former Military Administration of Ondo State and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, National Assembly members and other stakeholders.

The communique issued at the end of the meeting indicated that the party discussed various issues bordering on unity, oneness and togetherness in the South-West PDP, and how to reposition the party.

The communique read in part: “The Leaders of the PDP South-West, from the six States of Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo and Osun met today, 19th June, 2020, discussed extensively on various issues bordering on the unity, oneness and togetherness of the South-West PDP and resolved as follows:

“That the PDP South-West should remain an indivisible, united and strong entity under the PDP’s umbrella.

“That positions zoned to the South-West should, henceforth, be fairly and equitably shared within the various States/Sub-zones of Lagos/Ogun; Ekiti/Ondo and Oyo/Osun to create a sense of belonging in the respective States/Sub-zones.

“That rotation of the various positions amongst the States/Sub-zones will create a higher sense of unity, togetherness, fairness and justice among the various States/Sub-zones.

“The above-mentioned resolutions of the meeting are intended to create a sense of belonging, fairness, justice and unity and will be fully implemented as we progress in our programmes in the future to come.”

NANTA Asks Makinde to Create Ministry of Arts, Cuture and Tourism

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), has called on Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to declare a state of emergency on tourism sector of the state by creating Ministry of Arts, Cuture and Tourism.

The association said effective operation and enhancement of domestic tourism would drastically improved the internally generated revenues of the state.

The Zonal leaders of NANTA made their positions known during a solidarity visit to Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on Tourism Arts and Culture, Chief Akeem Ademola Ige.

The Vice President, Mr. Afolabi Hezekiah, in his address noted that the appointment of Chief Ademola Ige as Adviser on Tourism is in the right direction based on his antecedents as an administrator, lawmaker, tourism and cultural enthusiast. He expressed the readiness of the association to synergize with Oyo state government in promoting tourism with a view to creating jobs for youths of the state as well as improving the internally generated revenues.

Afolabi further urged the government to assist arts and tourism sector with palliatives in form of tax holiday and other incentives to cushion the effects of coronavirus pandemic, which has greatly affect their operations.

In his remarks, an ex officio of NANTA -Dr. Olatokunbo Dagunduro lamented the negligence of tourism sector in Oyo State. According to Olatokunbo, “Oyo state is endowed with a lot of potentials but it is sad that they are not being fully utilized for economic development”.

Chief Ademola Ige while thanking the NANTA Executives for the solidarity visit, declared that Oyo State is indeed blessed with lots of tourism sites and countless of

artistes. “We are already rejigging Oyo State tourism sector, and ready to provide conducive environments for tourists and investors” he assured.

On the solidarity visit included the immediate past Zonal Vice President and Ex-Officio, Dr. Olatokunbo Dagunduro; the Zonal General Secretary, Mr.Ajijola Bewaji; the Zonal Welfare Officer, Mr. Obasa Isaac; the Internal Auditor, Erelu Funmi Rotiba and the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Mr Ajibade Olaleye.

PANIC as Oyo Returns to Top Four on National COVID-19 Log, 103 New Cases Recorded

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Oyo State has recorded 103 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 764. Despite the spike, the state retains its 6th position on the national COVID-19 log.

The new active cases were revealed in the routine update released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) late Thursday.

The Pacesetter News understands that No. of Cases on admission in Oyo COVID-19 facilities are 474; Number of Discharged patients are 281 and Number of Deaths recorded stands at 9.

On the 18th of June 2020, 745 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. Having carried out 106,006 tests, 18480 cases have been confirmed, 6307 cases have been discharged and 475 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory

The 745 new cases are reported from 21 states- Lagos(280), Oyo(103), Ebonyi(72), FCT(60), Imo(46), Edo(34), Delta(33), Rivers(25), Kaduna(23), Ondo(16), Katsina(12), Kano(10), Bauchi(8), Borno(7), Kwara(5), Gombe(4), Sokoto(2), Enugu(2), Yobe(1), Osun(1), Nasarawa(1)

Covid-19: Ex-Oyo SSG Alli prays for Ajimobi’s recovery, asks Makinde to shelve school, churches reopening

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Governorship Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2019 general elections in Oyo State, Chief Sharafadeen Alli on Thursday prayed for a quick recovery to former Governor of the State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who is currently receiving treatment over an undisclosed ailment.

Alli, said “the former Governor should be remembered in our prayers.

“We must collectively stay safe and observe all regulations prescribed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders during this ongoing global pandemic,” Alli said.

He also warned the Governor of the state, Engr Seyi Makinde to tarry and seek professional advise before considering reopening of Schools, religious organisations and government offices.

Alli said opening schools, government offices, churches and mosques at this critical time is dangerous and an open invitation to risking lives of the good people of the state when the number of coronavirus victims is increasing on the daily basis.

He wondered what necessitated the impatience on school reopening especially when examination coordinating bodies (WAEC and NECO) are not in a hurry to commence the exercise.

Alli, in a statement he personally signed in Ibadan on Thursday pointed out that Nigerians were taken aback and marveled when the Oyo state government announced its readiness to reopen schools and religious organisations in a few days time when other states are still putting heads together on how to find a lasting solutions to the ravaging pandemic.

According to the former secretary to the Oyo state government, “this decision is unguarded, untimely and insensitive at the time the whole world is battling to find a lasting solution to the issue of covid 19.

The statement reads in part:”It is good to consider reopening of schools, but not at this time that the number of coronavirus victims in Oyo state is increasing. Moreso when it is obvious precautionary steps have not been put in place to forestall further community infection in the schools and public places.

” I will advise you to tarry and seek professional advise before taking such a step.”

Alli also pointed out that currently, people’s adherence and enforcement of the existing regulation is very poor.

“I want you to study development in other states in Nigeria where the governors are not in hurry to take steps that may later backfire.

“Even the South Korea and Israel opened schools but had to close again when covid-19 cases spiked in those countries.

” Lives of our people are very precious and we expect the governor to treat them as such,” Alli further counseled.

PANIC as Oyo Records 56 Fresh Cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Oyo State has recorded 56 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 661. Despite the spike, the state retains its 6th position on the national COVID-19 log.

The new active cases were revealed in the routine update released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) late Wednesday. The Pacesetter News found that majority of the new cases are from iSON Xperiences.

The Pacesetter News understands that No. of Cases on admission in Oyo COVID-19 facilities are 410; Number of Discharged patients are 242 and Number of Deaths recorded stands at 9.

On the 17th of June 2020, 587 new confirmed cases and 14 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. Having carried out 103,779 tests, 17735 cases have been confirmed, 5967 cases have been discharged and 469 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory

The 587 new cases are reported from 18 states- Lagos (155), Edo (75), FCT (67), Rivers (65), Oyo (56), Delta (50), Bayelsa (25), Plateau (18), Kaduna (18), Enugu (17), Borno (12), Ogun (12), Ondo (7), Kwara (4), Kano (2), Gombe (2), Sokoto (1), Kebbi (1)

Castrate Rapists – Actress, Toyin Adegbola Ajoke Ashewo tells FG, State Govts

By Rebecca Akinkanju

Nollywood actress, Yeye Toyin Adegbola, popularly known as ‘Ajoke Ashewo to re Mecca’ has strongly recommended castration as the appropriate punishment for rapists in Nigeria.

The veteran actress made her position known while featuring on Space FM Ibadan’s programme, Parrot Xtra Hour on Radio anchored by Olayinka Agboola on Tuesday.

Speaking on probable solutions to rape, she stressed the need for mothers to establish closer relationships with their children, particularly the girl child, without shying away from adequate sex education.

The thespian while still speaking on parental duties highlighted the need to prioritize children as her reason for refusing to get married again since her husband’s demise, over 20 years ago.

She further admonished parents to always encourage and support their children in their desired career choices.

When quizzed about her stage name, the actress laughed, explaining that she got it from a role she acted in a movie.

“There was a time I went to buy some things at Dugbe Market in Ibadan and a particular woman started shouting ‘Ashewo’, you know, it was so embarrassing. I found it offensive initially but I just had to get used to it eventually. Besides, this is what I’m getting paid for”.

She attributed her seeming absence in movies in recent times to growth, explaining that she now carefully selects roles before accepting to feature in movies.

While speaking on other means of livelihood, the actress disclosed her involvement in politics at a time, noting that the Osun state Governor at the time, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola had invited her to serve the people, because of her many social responsiblity roles even as an actress.

On upcoming projects, she assured her fans of exciting projects as soon as the pandemic is over, one of which would capture her most embarrassing moment, when she was detained at Iyagunku, Ibadan police station for about nine days, after the police alleged that her vehicle was used to assassinate somebody.

The actresses and actors warned rising actors to be willing to undergo intense training, adding that there is no shortcut to long lasting success.
Yeye Toyin Adegbola also took time to speak about her role so far in getting Nigerians to be aware of the deadly nature of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Her words “I have several short productions that I uploaded to sensitize Nigerians on COVID-19. Nobody paid me to do it. Nigerian governments at all levels, as far as I am concerned has not approached any actor or actress to officially have input in the battle to stop the spread of the pandemic.”

She later went ahead to pay glowing tributes to Pa Tubosun Odunsi and Adebayo Bello (Oga Bello) for the roles they played in her life and for contributing to her success as a professional actress.

Ailing Ajimobi takes over as Acting National Chairman, calls for peace in APC

By Rebecca Akinkanju

The Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (South), Senator Abiola Ajimobi who is presently recuperating at a Lagos Hospital has called on all APC stakeholders to continue to observe the peace as he assumes position as acting National Chairman of the APC.

Senator Ajimobi spoke on Tuesday night through his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Bolaji Tunji, in the aftermath of the order of the Court of Appeal affirming the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as National Chairman.

Senator Ajimobi took over the leadership of the party in line with Section 14 subsection 3 of the APC constitution that states that, “the Deputy National Chairman shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”.

According to a Statement by the Spokesman to the Acting National Chairman, a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), would be called soon to resolve all contentious issues.

“We should therefore let peace continue to reign until we call the NEC meeting and take a position on the way forward”, he said.

It would be recalled that Senator Ajimobi took over as the Deputy National Chairman in March 2020 when the NWC wrote a letter to the Southwest to nominate a candidate for the vacant position of the Deputy National Chairman (South) when the position became vacant with the appointment of Otunba Niyi Adebayo as Minister.

The appointment of Senator Ajimobi received the support of five of the Six South West states of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos with Ekiti alone protesting the nomination. This was however not enough to stop the nomination as Ajimobi had majority of the states in the zone supporting his nomination.

Ajimobi’s appointment into the NWC was further affirmed by a Federal High Court.

Soun laments deplorable Ibadan/Ogbomoso road, says “its a deathtrap”

By Debo Adeoye, Ibadan

A paramount and first class traditional ruler in Oyo State, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomoso has described the new expressway that link Ibadan to Ilorin as an obstacle to the State economic advancement and a deathtrap for motorists.

The monarch, who was represented by one of the palace’s chief, Prince Olawuyi Oyelayo, Mogaji Itabiti of Soun of Ogbomoso and secretary to his Majesty, Mr Toyin Ajamu, registered his displeasure with the way the construction work was being handled by all the parties involved.

He called on the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to intervene by way of petitioning the presidency to safe lives and economy of the people concerned.

He made the statement when he received in his palace, the Coalition of Grassroots Volunteers Against Covid-19 (COGVAC-19) team. COGVAC-19 team visited the palace to pay homage and receive royal blessings prior to the commencement of its sensitisation campaign on Covid-19 in Ogbomoso and its environs.

“Our major request from the government is the completion of the expressway linking Ibadan/Oyo/Ogbomoso/Ilorin to each other. The road has claimed many lives and caused great setback for economic development of the state and that of every individual having their businesses along that axis.

“We use this opportunity to appeal to Engr Seyi Makinde to take necessary action to ensure that those handling the construction show great committment towards completion of the expressway and ensure a quality job is done as against substandard job done on Ibadan to Oyo aspect of the road which didn’t last six months before cracking,” the monarch appealed.

“It is sad and very disgusting to say that 21 years had passed since the construction of work started on the expressway and till this very moment it’s still far from completion inspite of the number of lives already lost on this road. It will be a great achievement for Makinde’s administration if he could pressurise the federal government to get the road completed within the shortest possible time,” Oba Oyewumi lamented

In a similar development, Alhaji Amidu Lamidi, a resident of Ogbomoso who granted our correspondent an interview shortly after Soun’s speech, blamed all the federal legislators for their alleged indifference to the deplorable state of the road.

“What are the responsibility of our sons and daughters we gave our votes to, they went to Abuja for selfish interest, neglecting those they claimed to be representing. 21 years after, the major road that link us to the north is still under construction. Meanwhile, we learnt a lot of money had been wasted on it,” Alhaji Lamidi queried.

The Chairmen of all the local government councils and LCDAs in Ogbomoso praised the governor for his efforts towards restoring the lost glory of the pacesetter’s state and his committment to end the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

Speaking on behalf of other Chairmen, Hon.Aderemi Olayinka, the Chairman, Ogbomoso Central said, “We appreciate the good works of our father and leader, the people’s governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for turning the fortune of the state around for good, working tirelessly to restore the lost glory of the pacesetter’s state and for his committment to halt the spread of Covid-19 without total lockdown of the state,”

“We have also commenced the sensitisation programme in our various local government councils and responses from our people has been very encouraging. But we must not fail to appreciate this special programme brought to us by the Association of Local Government Information Officers (ALGIO). Your programme on Covid-19 is unique, well structured and detailed,” Hon. Olayinka commended.

Other chairmen that joined the campaign train were Hon. Isaiah Adegbite, Chairman, Surulere Local Govt (Iresaadu), Hon. Oluwaseun Ojo, Chairman, Ogo Oluwa, Ladanu village, Hon. M .Gbadamosi Chairman, Surulere South LCDA.

JUST IN: Oyo COVID-19 Cases Spike to 605

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Oyo State has recorded 30 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 605. The spike takes the state to 6th position on the national COVID-19 log.

The new active cases were revealed in the routine update released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) late Tuesday. The Pacesetter News found that majority of the new cases are from iSON Xperiences.

The Pacesetter News understands that No. of Cases on admission in Oyo COVID-19 facilities are 355; Number of Discharged patients are 242 and Number of Deaths recorded stands at 8.

According to NCDC on Tuesday, 490 new confirmed cases and 31 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. Having carried out 96,402 tests, 17148 cases have been confirmed, 5623 cases have been discharged and 455 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The 490 new cases are reported from 16 states- Lagos(142), FCT(60), Bayelsa(54), Rivers(39), Delta(37), Oyo(30), Kaduna(26), Imo(23), Enugu(19), Kwara(17), Gombe(11), Ondo(10), Bauchi(8), Ogun(7), Borno(6), Benue(1)

JUST IN: APC Names Ajimobi Acting National Chairman

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.

This is consequent upon the Appeal Court judgment, upholding the suspension of the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by a Federal Capital Teritory High Court.

This was made known by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement this evening.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received the news indicating the Appeal Court has upheld the suspension of the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by an FCT High Court pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“Guided by advice from the Party’s legal department in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the Party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.

“According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South “Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone,” he said.

essives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.

 

 

Makinde’s Reconciliation Committee is another Oputa Panel |Hon. Tunde Salahudeen

Governor Seyi Makinde, on Monday, inaugurated a steering committee piloted by PDP elders forum to look into the various challenges confronting the party and reconcile aggrieved factions.

The committee comprising seven members was inaugurated at the government house and chaired by foremost PDP Stalwart, Dr. Saka Balogun.

In my opinion, the 7-man committee is another talk shop like the Oputa Panel, whose report would never be read nor executed.

Firstly, what is the grief?

The grief is not against party executives sharing formula as agreed at the fussing of all the groups that formed the Oyo State PDP. No faction of the party is fighting for supremacy. So, there are no aggrieved members or PDP avengers.

The grief, to my understanding, is the unilateral approach of Governor Seyi Makinde in the distribution of government appointments without recourse and reference to party elders and leaders. Therefore, His Excellency, Seyi Makinde is the accused while majority party members, smiling and suffering, outspoken or silent, are the accusers or the aggrieved.

In this wise, Governor Makinde, being the number one accused, has no the moral right to inaugurate a reconciliation committee. Rather, the party leaders and elders are to seek the Governor’s approval as the administrative leader of the party, as to the formation of a genuine Reconciliation Committee.

*Reading through the list of names of the members of the Committee, one wonders why Governor Makinde, who has the penchant to always relegate local party leaders and elders, could now turn round, for obvious reason, not to institute Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha as the chairman of the Reconciliation Committee. This is a Governor that always consults with local party excos to fill appointment instead of local leaders and elders. Why did he not now place Alhaji Kunmi over other party leaders in the committee? Double standard!*

Let me state this rightly, the number one aggrieved person is the Oyo State PDP chairman whose office is being usurped by the Senator Ayoola Agboola Advisory Council and the nauseating “Omititun” syndrome. Though silent is nor all the time golden, Alhaji Kunmi must be commended as a loyal party leader for bearing his trauma with smiles.

The Committee, in my opinion, should be comprised of:
1). A nominee by the governor,
eg: the Deputy Governor or
Chairman Advisory Council;

2). State Chairman, Party;

3). A representative of the
South West pdp exco;

4). BoT Member from Oyo state
to serve as Chairman of the
Committee:

5). Any notable women
representative

6). 2 representatives of leaders
and elders of the party.

While I am pessimistic about the outcome of the reports of the Reconciliation Committee as setup, kudos must be given to some of us on social media who have refused to be quiet in the face of tyranny. Special mention must be made of Chief Bisi Olopoeyan whose outburst in the dailies served as the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

We need a functional pdp in Oyo state if truly we are genuinely interested in the survival of the Oyo state PDP in 2023 and beyond.

Hon. Tunde Salahudeen is a chieftain of PDP from Otu, Itesiwaju LGA – Oyo State

Oyo Reviews Curfew, Mosques, Churches to operate at 25 percent capacity

By Oluwakemi Ishola

…as govt workers resume Monday

….Pry 6, JSS III, SSS III students resume classes by June 29

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force announced on Monday that it has relaxed the curfew imposed on the state following the advent of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

The Task Force, which made the decision public after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting presided by its chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde, added that the curfew would now run from 10pm to 4am.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that other decisions reached include the resumption of classes for Primary Six, JSS3 and SS3 students from Monday, June 29; resumption of work by all category of workers at the state secretariat from June 22; opening up of mosques and churches, which are to operate at 25 per cent capacity; and the decision to limit public gathering to not more than 25 persons.

The statement indicated that the state secretariat, which was earlier shut on March 27 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and later reopened to staff on grade level 13 and above from Monday April 27, would now be open to all other staffers from Monday, June 22.

According to the statement, students in critical classes are to resume at the end of June to ensure they are well-prepared for the public examinations ahead of them.

The statement read: “The schools are to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the Task Force, ensure that stations for washing of hands are provided in all schools, while all students are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Schools are to provide hand wash points with the support of their Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA).

“The resumption of critical classes at the end of June 2020, would be two clear weeks ahead of the state’s drop-dead date of July 15. By that date, it would be decided whether other categories of students will return to the classes.”

The statement further read: “Mosques and Churches are to reopen and operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity. The situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks. All worshippers are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Night clubs are to remain shut even though the existing curfew, which used to run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. is being aligned with that of the Federal Government, which runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“The Task Force will not mind shutting down everywhere if evidence emerges that the COVID-19 safety protocols are being violated, or should there be an explosion in the number of cases; however, the state government will intensify enlightenment campaigns to ensure the safety of our people.”

The statement also added that the resumption order will not affect the tertiary institutions for now, as the Task Force would review their situation and determine their state of readiness.