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Tola Adeniyi, a Legend turns 75, Plans for 75,000 guests

By Peter Adegbola

The value of a man’s existence is not only in the abundance of his possession or knowledge but much more in his contribution to the development of human existence.

Akogun Tola Adeniyi, a Media guru, celebrated Columnist and philospoher is a rare gem: treasure with indelible value, a priceless jewel and an asset to this generation.

Popularly called Aba Saheed,  his pen name during the military hey days, Adeniyi is an ocean of intellect, encyclopaedia of unprinted words and a rabbi of the confused. He has imprinted his foot on the sand of time.

Words are not enough to express how happy the world is because Adeniyi is celebrating another milestone on the surface of the earth.

At Pacesetter News , we say with much honour that Akogun is invaluable to the universe.

In his message to friends and well wishes, Adeniyi wrote, “Officially, I will be 75 on the 29th of May and I have a special reason to be grateful to Olodumare, Adiitu, the Inscrutable; genderless, limitless, borderless, invincible, all seeing, all knowing…

“Last year, I spent my birthday in an intensive care unit in a specialist hospital in Canada. Today, I am in robust health, even though locked down and locked up by handlers of Nigeria’s Covid 419.

“I had planned for a virtual party for 75,000 Zoom guests but within this one week, I lost a dear Uncle , Alhaji (Dr.) Adebayo Adetunji 88, who was like a father to me, and another Uncle Chief Mobolanle Ajomale 89, an Uncle in-law who was also like a father to me.

“I will therefore limit myself to 7,500 guests to be lavishly feasted with virtual food, wine and cake.

“Join me in the thanksgiving to the Almighty while you send your cakes, cards and cars and cash, turkey and goat via WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc etc. And pray with me for longer life, continued contented living and sound mind in sound body and of course with Gemini ageless vivaciousness,” Adeniyi stated.

At Pacesetter News, we say: “May the rest of your life be the best of your existence on earth, and you will never know a better yesterday.

Wishing you longevity and prosperity sir.

Happy birthday to a pen pusher who has proven times without number that pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

Congratulations Aba Saheed…

Enwonwu Replaces Olukolu As Oyo State Commissioner of Police

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, on Thursday, ordered immediate posting and redeployment of Oyo State Commissioner, Mr. Shina Olukolu, and eight others  to various commands and formations. Olukolu was redeployed to FCID Annex Lagos and replaced with Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu.

The order was contained in a press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba. The statement reads: “The IGP has ordered the immediate posting/redeployment of the following Commissioners of Police Commands/Formations as follows: Edo State, CP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo; Osun State, CP Undie J. Adie; Bauchi State CP Lawal Jimeta Tanko; Ebonyi State, CP Philip Sule Maku; Gombe State, CP Ahmed Maikudi Shehu; Ondo State, CP Bolaji Amidu Salami; Oyo State, CP Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu; Eastern Port, CP Evelyn T. Peterside; Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD), CP Okon Etim Ene; Airport Command, CP Bello Maikwashi; and Anti-Fraud Unit (FCID Annex Lagos), CP Olukolu Tairu Shina.”

The IGP urged the newly deployed CPs to prioritise community policing, crime prevention, public security, public safety, and general crime-fighting among others. He also enjoined the citizens of the affected states to cooperate with the Commissioners of Police to enable them to succeed in their new areas of responsibilities.

The IGP charges the newly posted officers to ensure they consolidate and advance the gains of their predecessors particularly in the implementation of community policing, crime prevention, public security, public safety, and general crime-fighting” the statement concluded.

Ibadan indigenes in US express readiness to partner Makinde on education, economic dev

By Rebecca Akinkanju

Members of the Ibadan Descendant Union USA, (IDU-USA, Inc.) have expressed their readiness to work with Oyo state government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to build academic excellence, economic growth and development of the state.

The organization also lauded the effort of the Governor in his giant strides in transforming the state within the shortest period in office.

These were contained in a congratulatory message signed by the President of the Association, Dr Olubumi Afonja; the National General Secretary, Mogaji Abiola lyiola and the National Public Relation officer, Mrs Adebukola Oyejobi, to felicitate Governor Makinde’s one year administration in office.

The Ibadan Descendants Union USA Inc. is a community-based organization of Ibadan sons and daughters in the USA, with Chapters in many cities of the country, and was formed to encourage unified efforts of Ibadan indigenes in the Diaspora to contribute to the progress and economic development of the City of Ibadan

According to the statement, “We lauded the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde in many areas. The IDU-USA is aware of the improvement made in the several sectors such as health, education, and infrastructural development that are essential to support citizens’ well-being, the economic growth, security and independence of Oyo State.

“We shared our desire to work with this administration to foster academic and economic growth of the state.

“IDU USA Inc. has contributed immensely to the education, health, economic, humanitarian and cultural awareness of the City of Ibadan.

“One of the organization’s new projects is the proposed construction of a multipurpose building in the USA that will be named “IBADAN HOUSE”, the statement concluded

JUST IN: Oyo Records Fresh Cases of COVID-19, Moves to 5th Position

By Oluwakemi Ishola

Oyo State, on Thursday, recorded eight fresh cases of coronavirus, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 260. The state now moves to 5th position on the national Covid-19 log.

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

Also, the agency also said 182 cases of the deadly virus were recorded on Thursday May 28, 2020, in FCT and fifteen states of the country. The latest numbers bring the  total number of confirmed cases to 8915. Total discharged cases stands at 2592 while 259 deaths cases have been recorded so far.

Here is the breakdown of the 182 new cases of COVID19;

Lagos-111.                 FCT-16.              Akwa Ibom-10

Oyo-8.                       Kaduna-6.          Delta-6

Rivers-5.                   Ogun-4.              Ebonyi-4

Kano-3.                     Plateau-2.          Gombe-2

Kebbi-1.                     Kwara-2.            Bauchi-1

Borno-1

Ecstasy as Rep member, Akande-Sadipe resolves road repair crisis in Oluyole

By Adams Akorede

Residents of Olojuoro in Oluyole local government area of Oyo State on Thursday erupted in wild jubilation after a federal Lawmaker, representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe waded into a misunderstanding between the contractor, handling Olomi-Olodo-Ijebu-igbo road, D.C Engineering Ltd. and the Olojuoro Road Joint community forum, in Ibadan.

Frosty relationship between D.C Eng. Ltd. and the Joint Community Forum, consisting of fourteen (14) communities took a twist when Executives of the Forum wrote series of petitions against the firm to Federal Ministry of Works and Transport, Abuja and the House of Representatives accusing it of refusal to speed up work on the deplorable road.

It also alleged the contractor of constructing narrow drainages that could cause erosion in the community among other allegations.

The petition attracted the attention of the lawmaker who immediately called for truce and held a round table meeting with the aggrieved parties.

At the peace meeting held on Thursday, at Olomi, Ibadan, Akande-Sadipe, who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, promised her unwavering support to guarantee speedy completion of the road, which she described as one of the foremost projects on her checklist.

She noted that the essence of the meeting was to find essential solutions to the brewing misunderstanding between the community and the firm on site and ensure the road which has been under construction in the Community since 2018 becomes motorable before 2023.

She promised to scrutinize the Engineering firm handling the site’s Bill of Quantity, scope of work and contractual agreement signed with the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja.

This, she said would bring her up to speed with happenings about the road and ensure the firm executes the job according to the agreed terms with Federal Government.

“We will ensure we look into the scope of work being executed by D.C Engineering Limited and address every form of dissatisfaction listed by the Community in their petition, which was made available to our office”, she said.

Akande-Sadipe however commended DC Engineering ltd. and Olojuoro-road Joint Community Forum for agreeing to resolve the ‘crisis’, which she noted was in the best interest of all stakeholders.

While Akande-Sadipe assured the Community that the firm would not shy away from its responsibility in delivering a motorable road to the community.

“Participating in dialogue with concerned parties would fast help us on this issue. I got to know about the community’s petition, because my office was copied. While I commend the community for agreeing to meet at this roundtable meeting, I assure you that D.C Eng. Ltd would play its part in ensuring this road sees the light of the day.

Representative of D.C Engineering ltd. Engr. Obafemi Olusola expressed the company’s readiness to adjust and intensify efforts at speedily providing access to the long-awaited infrastructure, noting that this has always been the cardinal policy of the company.

Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of Olojuoro road Joint Community Forum, described Akande-Sadipe as a responsive representative and appreciated her concerted efforts.

He also expressed hopes that with her intervention, the road would soon be completed.

Make God your dwelling place, cleric tells politicians at Kehinde Ayoola’s burial 

 

The Conference Pastor of the New Covenant Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, Reverend Kunle Balogun said on Thursday that human beings need to make God their dwelling place in order to successfully soldier through life’s challenges.

The clergy, who was speaking at the burial service for the late Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, said that human beings must always reverence God Almighty because He alone is the determinant of how far anyone goes in life.

Revd. Balogun read Psalm 90 and asked the congregation to learn from the experiences of Moses and the Israelites while in the wilderness.

Speaking on the topic “give us a heart of prayer,” Revd. Balogun said that every human being must note three things; life is brief, life is uncertain and death is certain.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the service, which was held in conformity with the social distancing rule, had Governor Makinde and the deceased’s family members in attendance.

The cleric said: “Life is brief, even if you have the opportunity to live a thousand years, by the eternity of God it is not up to one day. If man knows that his life is brief, he will live purposefully.

“Life is uncertain and there is no guarantee for tomorrow. Life is like a vapour which appears for a little while and vanishes so there is no certainty. It is God who makes tomorrow certain.”

He stated that for man to live purposeful life, he must make God his dwelling place, adding that the Israelites were able to live 40 years in the wilderness without being harmed by dangerous animals because they made God their dwelling place.

“Men must make God their dwelling place because that is why Israelites were able to live 40 years in the desert and were not destroyed,” he said.

The children of the deceased Commissioner, Beeloluwawi and Folarin read the first and second lessons of the day, while Folarin later gave the vote of thanks.

8.5m Nigerians suffer hearing disorder- SPAAN President

By Peter Ayoade

President, Speech Pathologists and Audiologists Association in Nigeria (SPAAN), Prof Julius Ademokoya, has raised an alarm over high prevalence of hearing disorder. He disclosed that over 8.5 million of Nigerians suffer from the problem.

He made the disclosure when he addressed some journalists at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, to commemorate the international month of hearing and speech for 2020, with the theme: ‘Promoting Better Hearing and Speech in Nigeria.”

The programme was organised by Speech Pathologists and Audiologists (SPAAN) in collaboration with Smile Train Incorporation.

Ademokoya stated that Nigeria has about 8.5 million people with hearing and speech problems, added that the number of pathologists and audiologists available at the moment in the country is less than 300.

According to him, “Government is doing little or nothing to attend and take care of people with hearing and speech problems. The government is not giving them support. When you look at the care giving to them, it is quite discouraging”

“Government must incorporate hearing screenings just like the way it is done in developed countries. If government is doing this, many children that have hearing problem must have overcome the challenges very early.

“Government must also establish centres in the rural areas where people who have hearing and speech problems can test and detect the problems without traveling to the urban areas. If there are accessible testing and treatment centres, then the problems of people with hearing and speech problems will be solved early”.

He pleaded with the Oyo NUJ for a partnership for grassroot sensitisation among the people as well as programmes to raise the consciousness of the government on the reasons to promote better hearing and speech in Nigeria.

In a bid to ensure better verbal communication culture, he concluded by advising that parents must ensure that every child is screened as early as possible for corrective surgery, saying introduction of speech correction by government as a subject at primary school level and speech education as general education study (GES) for students in tertiary institutions irrespective of courses of study, should be given special attention.

BREAKING: Oyo APC Reconciliation Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting

By Oluwakemi Olaniyi

A Reconciliation Committee of the Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday held her inaugural meeting at Oke-Ado State Secretariat of the party. The State Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke, after inaugurating the 16-member Committee, issued letter of nomination for reconciliation committee to each member.

It will be recalled that the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Abiola Ajimobi, inaugurated a peace committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State on 25th of March 2020.

Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi could not make the meeting due to national assignments of the party.

Former Governor Otunba Alao-Akala, heads the Committee. Other members of the reconciliation committee are Prince Gbade Lana (secretary), Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, Alhaji Kamar Ajisafe, Pa Akin Ojebode, Alhaji Laide Abass, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, Segun Odebunmi, Niran Alarape, Mojeed Olaoya, Isiaka Areokuta, Mabel Williams, Chief S.M. Akindele, Adefisoye Adekanye and Rasaq Arikewuyo.

OYSHA 4th Assembly Members Pay Tributes to late Speaker Ayoola

By Oluwakemi Olaniyi 

Members of the 4th Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to one of their colleagues, the late Speaker and Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola. The 4th Assembly forum described the demise of Ayoola as one death too many.

The tribute was delivered by the 4th Assembly Forum Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ola Adelowo (alias Ameye) at a Valedictory Sitting of Oyo State House of Assembly for the late Speaker on Thursday. The forum said late Ayoola was a reliable friend, a frontline political analyst, a consummate legislative debater, a consistent believer in the positivity of any progressive course, and an avid reader. “Kenny is an

irrepressible defender of democracy, and an Awoist to the core” the colleagues said.

The tribute reads:

“Today is not an enviable day! It is not at all, in particular for us, the members of the Oyo State Fourth Assembly Forum (OSFAF). These are the members of the House of Assembly who served Oyo State with Rt. Hon Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola from 1999 to 2003 (the Lam Adesina Honourable members).

When on the 6th day of June 1999, we started a legislative journey together with pomp and pageantry with Kehinde Ayoola, we never thought that, a dark day like this will becloud our joy very soon like this. We were certain that death would come one after the other. We have also lost 3 of our 4th Assembly members before now: Late Hon Taofik Olu Adeleke; late Barr. Hon Olalekan Ladapo; and late Hon Rasheed Alawiye Balake – (Hon Balake answered the call to the great beyond on Thursday, 13h February 2020). May their gentle souls rest perfectly in peace. But the transition to glory of our friend, brother, colleague, and first Rt Hon Speaker of the 4th Assembly of Oyo State – Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola on Thursday 14th May 2020 (I must confess), is one death too many to us in the Fourth Assembly Forum. But we agree with the Almighty God. His decision remains the final!

Rt Hon Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola (JP) was not just our colleague. We

unanimously elected him our Speaker in June 1999 without any dissention or abstention. In spite of all the political intrigues & intricacies of the time, Kenny remained a good friend to all the members of our Forum. A Forum, which he served tenaciously until death came calling unannounced. He was the Administrator of our Platform without our thinking of an assistant. We saw in him, a reliable friend, a frontline political analyst, a consummate legislative debater, a consistent believer in the positivity of any progressive course, and an avid reader. Kenny is an

irrepressible defender of Democracy, and an Awoist to the core.

In January 2020, the Rt Hon Kehinde Ayoola called me very early in the

morning of a particular Friday. “My Chairman”. That was his usual

slang when calling me. He said; “Hon Balake is seriously ill. He is now in a ward in UCH. Please, let us see what we can do”. As I dashed to the UCH, he set up Balake Support WhatsApp Group, through which people made financial contributions to save the life of our colleague, Hon Rashid Alawiye Balake. He did a lot to secure Hon Balake’s life. So many people got to know about Late Balake’s predicament through

Ayoola’s effort. Unfortunately, we lost Balake in February; & he (Kenny Ayoola), who did everything to save a colleague, left us without an opportunity for anyone to make a trial; even though our trial might not have done any difference. Death caught us all unaware.

That Rt. Hon Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola (JP) was made a Commissioner

in the cabinet of the present Oyo State Government was (and is) a confirmation that legislators are not meant to be used and dumped politically like mere political materials. We, his colleagues therefore feel, we have an obligation to appreciate this government, under His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Oluwaseyi Makinde, for deeming it worthy to appoint our colleague and first Rt

Hon Speaker into his Cabinet. I must also, as the Deputy Director General of the Association of All Parliamentarians in Oyo States (AAPO) appreciate the appointment of larger percentage of former Hon members of the Oyo State House of Assembly into govt cabinet and other vital positions in this government. It is a positive signal that legislators should no more be used and dumped politically, and treated as inconsequential in the entrenchment of good governance. We appreciate Your Excellency for the sense of Honour extended to our colleagues.

Your Excellency sir, we wish to humbly appeal that Rt. Hon Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola (JP) be specially immortalized; while his children should be offered the opportunity of free cducation to the tertiary level.

I must not fail to recognise the courtesy and sense of commiseration extended to the 4th Assembly Forum by the Rt Hon Speaker of this august Assembly, Rt. Hon Debo Ogundoyin since the death of our colleague, Rt. Hon Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola (JP). I personally recognise and appreciate Your Honour’s sense of camaraderie and condolences.

We love Kenny. Unfortunately, “Kokoro ko je ka gbadun

obi to gbo!”. Very sad enough! The best in Kehinde Ayoola has not come before death came striking.

We lost a friend!

We lost a colleaguell

We lost a brother!!!

We lost a Speakerl!!!

Adieul Latunji, Omo Ayoola”

The late speaker of the Oyo state fourth assembly,  died on May 14, after a brief illness.

TRCN mobilises Nigerian Teachers for “New Normal” global Conference

By Adams Akorede

The Registrar/Chief Executive Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Professor Segun Ajiboye on thursday stated that the Council has mobilised thousands of Nigerian teachers to participate in an online global Conference focussed on adapting teaching to the change caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, Nigerian Teachers top the over 50,000 who have registered for the free online global conference.

Professor Ajiboye stated that the State offices of TRCN mobilised teachers in their respective domains to bring them up to speed on the adaptive mode of teaching occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the Conference which starts on Saturday, 30 May, 2020 is to begin to expose Nigerian Teachers as part of the global professional in knowledge impartation to prepare them for the new reality in their job.

Themed “the New Normal for teachers”, the conference is aimed at sharing knowledge on how to leverage on technology to retool teachers in a new world unfolding by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TRCN boss stated that knowledge gained through the global conference will empower Nigerian teachers to learn what is new normal in their profession, compare notes, and understand how to navigate the current challenge which has caused halting schooling in Nigeria due to the pandemic.

“The T4Education conference is an international package put together to address the issue of COVID-19 pandemic and education, especially as it affects teachers. The Conference is coordinated in Nigeria by T4Education in Nigeria. The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria through its State offices mobilised Nigerian teachers to attend the online conference knowing its relevance and potential to address new challenges arising from the pandemic. It is heartwarming to note that out of over 50 thousand teachers who have registered for this conference globally, Nigerian teachers constitute the majority. The Conference comes up on Saturday May 30, 2020.”

Oyo Re-echoes commitment to Girl-child Education  

By Oluwakemi Ishola

Oyo state government has re- echoed its commitment and willingness to promote and protect the rights and privileges of all children especially, girl – child education for sustainable development.

The state commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni stated this during year 2020 virtual National Children’s Day celebration held at the Ministry’s Conference room, secretariat, Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme for the year, ” Promoting Girl Child Education For Sustainable Development”, she noted that girl -child education is a vital tool for national development, hence, there is need for more girls to be involved in education, child welfare and poverty reduction stressing that education not only promotes development but also ensures that development attained is sustained.

“In many societies, there are numerous issues that prevent a girl – child from fulfilling her rights to an education which ranges from her gender to her economic condition and to our cultural beliefs

“We are also faced with many challenges such as rape, child trafficking, defilement, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, female genital mutilation and many more.

“There are stigmas attached to the education of women and girls and as a result, untapped human potentials and gender equality are prominent even as sex trafficking, child marriage and forced prostitution can become the sad alternative to an education, ” she added.

Alhaja Sanni therefore assured that, the state government would continue to support all policies that would promote the rights and privileges of Oyo state children in the right course.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Christiana Abioye, said girl- child education is an essential tool to promote family and societal growth, discipline, development and progress of the society affirming that no society can survive without the active participation of women and girl child.

Mrs Abioye charged them to stand up for their rights and speak out as the present administration ably led by Governor Seyi Makinde is very sensitive to the issues of children.

While wishing them happy celebration, she appealed to all stakeholders to keep observing all the precautionary measures as laid down by health professional to curtail the spread of COVID 19 in our society.

In his goodwill message, a stakeholder & private orphanage home operator, Pastor Marcus Williams lauded the efforts of the state government in its efforts of rescuing teenage girls form all forms of gender based violence by giving them assurance and hope for survival.

Sofia Bankole, a girl – child who spoke on behalf of the children thanked His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde for giving all children in the state free education and textbooks.

Alao-Akala: Appointing Retired Army Officers to Head Amotekun is Counterproductive

By Oluwakemi Ishola

A former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, has criticised the appointments of retired military officers as commanders of Amotekun Corps by some State Governors in the Southwestern part of Nigerian. He said all the states in the region except Lagos is most likely to fail.

The former governor made his position on Amotekun known yesterday in an exclusive interview to commemorate his 70th birthday anniversary. Alao-Akala clocks 70th year on June 3rd, 2020.

He said, “The essence of launching Amotekun Corps is to complement internal security in the South-West states. Only police officers are trained on internal security management; soldiers are trained to fight wars. Therefore, the appointment of retired military officers to head Amotekun was a wrong decision”.

The retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, said: “The Amotekun Corp will fail in the South-West states except Lagos. If a retired senior police officer is appointed as the head of the Amotekun outfit in a state, the commissioner of police in the state would respect him as his former superior. A retired army officer would want to be forceful in his approach”.

“Remember that only the police can prosecute criminals, Amotekun cannot, so, they need the co-operation of the police. The Amotekun personnel are not armed. They will be successful if they collaborate with the police by calling for support while trying to burst crimes in their respective states and localities” he stressed.

3SC Skipper Hails Gov Makinde, Club Management

By Oluwakemi Olaniyi 

Captain of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Omololu Waheed, has described as second to none, the commitment of the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde to the welfare of the team.

In a press release issued out by 3SC Media Officer, Tosin Omojola, the 3SC centre back described the Oyo State helmsman as a man of his words, stressing that the club, has never had it so good in terms of welfare in recent times.

“I must confess, this government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has shown great commitment to the course of this club, particularly on the issue of players’ welfare”, the Captain of Oluyole Warriors said.

“We get our salaries as at when due, even despite the lockdown, ocassioned by the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the globe”, he added.

“As I speak to you, we are not being owed a dime, talk of salaries and other renumerations”, Omololu spoke further.

“We are very grateful to His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Seun Fakorede and every member of this cabinet,” he stated.

The Oluyole Warriors captain, also saluted the Rasheed Balogun led management of the club, describing it as a players friendly management.

“Our General Manager, Rasheed Balogun, the Director of Administration, Alhaji Rahman Olapade, the Team Manager, Dimeji Lawal and other members of the management team as well as the Edith Agoye led technical crew, have been so wonderful to us”, the 3SC Captain said in praises of his club officials.

“Even now that we are on break, we are enjoying the best of care. While the government is playing its role perfectly in terms of financing the club, the management team is equally doing well to make us happy”, Omololu disclosed.

The 3SC skipper, urged the supporters and fans of the club to keep staying safe during this trying period, expressing hope that all will be well at the end of the day.

JUST IN: Oyo Records 2 Fresh Cases of COVID-19

By Oluwakemi Ishola

Oyo State, on Wednesday, recorded two fresh cases of coronavirus, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 252. The state retains its 6th position on the national Covid-19 log.

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

Also, the agency also said 389 cases of the deadly virus were recorded on Wednesday May 27, 2020, in twenty-two states of the country. The latest numbers bring the  total number of confirmed cases to 8344. Total Discharged cases stands at 2501 while 254 Deaths cases have been recorded so far.

Here is the breakdown of the 389 new cases:

Lagos-256.                Katsina-23.                 Edo-22

Rivers-14.                   Kano-13.                     Adamawa-11

Akwa Ibom-11.           Kaduna-7.                   Kwara-6

Nasarawa-6.             Gombe-2.                   Plateau-2

Abia-2.                       Delta-2.                       Benue-2

Niger-2.                      Kogi-2.                         Oyo-2

Imo-1.                          Borno-1.                      Ogun-1

Anambra-1

CHILDREN’S DAY: Oyo PDP Celebrates Children, Says Makinde has done and Will Do More in Education

By Oluwakemi Olaniyi 

 

The ruling party in Oyo state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has celebrated children in Oyo state on the occasion of year 2020 children’s day which is also celebrated world over as declared by the United Nations International Children Education Fund.

The party explained that children are the heritage of any parent, stressing that the best legacy that could ever be bequeathed to children is sound and quality education which the Seyi Makinde led government has clearly shown the capacity and political will by its commitment to achieve.

Oyo state chapter of the PDP in a press statement signed by its state publicity secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji, and made available to pressmen on Wednesday (today) declared that it is not the physical assets that most parents tend to chase after that guarantee an enduring legacy after them but a sound and quality education given the children.

According to the statement, education is indispensably one of governor Seyi Makinde’s administration core priorities adding that the last time Oyo state ever had it this good in term of education development and systemic restructuring were during the time of late Chief Bola Ige and former governor Adewolu Ladoja.

Engr Olatunji, according to the statement emphasised the importance of education with regards to economic development and growth in any society stressing that no nation made it to economic prosperity without huge and consistent investment in the education system.

The ruling party particularly lauded governor Makinde’s giant strides and unwavering commitment to advancement of quality education in the state noting that the strategic approach of making formal education very attractive and interesting in the state by the state government was very commendable stressing that the immediate impact of such policy was the increase in public school enrollment by children as well as migration from private schools to public schools.

Engr Olatunji affirmed that it takes a leader with strong political will and genuine commitment to achieve such feat in education of any state considering the fact that education is an intangible assets that people could see like roads and physical infrastructures.

PDP particularly described governor Makinde as the game changer, the party also urged parents to continue to give maximum support to the state government in its drive to take education in the state to an enviable height such that others will clamour to domesticate its template in their various states.

The ruling party said that the global pandemic has made this year’s edition of children’s day celebration less glamorous but insisted that the annual celebration was merely a commemorative event stressing that the quality of education provided by government was what matters most.

The party therefore, urged education stakeholders, operators, teachers, and parents in the state to as a matter of collaborative efforts align fully with the state government education policy to avoid working at cross purpose adding that government has and will continue to invest heavily in education in the state because it is an area of top priority.