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Shittu Belongs to the Past in APC – Youth Leader Fires Ex-Minister

By
Peter Ayoade
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The Oyo North senatorial district youth leader of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Mr. Dauda Ajana, has stated that no individual would lose sleep over alleged persistent attacks against the APC and its leaders from Barrister Adebayo Shittu “because the former minister of communications exists only in the history of the party”.
The ex-minister has always been at loggerheads with the leadership of the Oyo APC as this climaxed in May 2018 when he joined forces with other aggrieved members to float a factional group named Unity Forum with a view to dislodging the then Governor Abiola Ajimobi as the leader of the APC in the state.
Speaking with the PacesetterNews on a phone conversation on Saturday, Ajana said the ex-minister has ceased to be a member of Oyo APC since his faction broke away in 2018 while he (Shittu) also went ahead to work against all the candidates fielded by the party in the 2019 general election.
According to the Youth Leader, “It does not bother us in Oyo APC if former minister Shittu now struggles to outdo media experts hired by the PDP government to launder the image of Gov. Seyi Makinde. Apart from the fact he (Shittu) and few other gladiators failed in their bid to hijack the party in 2018 for selfish reasons, the Saki-born lawyer had always been everything but blessing to our party in the state.
“He claimed to have stayed put in the party when his co-travelers in Unity Forum defected to other parties only to play a cog in the wheel of progress. He never worked for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and this, coupled with his disgraceful performance as a minister for over three years, was largely responsible for his failure to be re-appointed. Mr. President has all the facts and he chose not to reward emptiness and hypocrisy with any appointment again.
“How can a reasonable person claim to be a member of a particular party and he would have nothing doing with members and leadership of the same party in his Ward, Local Government Area and State levels for over two years? The only time he identified with Oyo APC was in 2016 when he donated two rickety buses and the same buses have since been abandoned because they were unserviceable vehicles.
“It is on record that Shittu was involved in virtually all the meetings of the coalition groups which worked in favour of Engr. Seyi Makinde of the PDP to win the last gubernatorial election in the state. Having been mobilized with some goodies, he now feels he deserves more patronage and this may be responsible for his renewed efforts to fight the cause of the governor to the detriment of our party but all of them have failed.
 “With a member like him (Shittu) playing major role in any political party, such party cannot make a headway and I’m aware that some stakeholders within the APC in his Ward 02, Saki West local government are meeting to address the issue of false claim of membership of Oyo APC coming from him. As far as we are concerned in Oke-Ogun axis of the state, former minister Shittu is not a member of the APC and we stand by this assertion.” Ajana stated.

MR. SPEAKER, THIS REPORTED ACTION IS DICTATORIAL

By
Peter Ayoade
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Dear, OYSHA Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin

As a youth and citizen of Oyo State, I am highly disappointed in your action which I consider SELF-SERVING AND DICTATORIAL!

During the House Proceedings on Tuesday, you reportedly FIRED Hon. Olamide Akinajo of Ibadan North East 1 Constituency as Chairman, House Committee on Works and Transports. And you directed Hon. Kehinde Taofeek Olatunde from Akinyele constituency II to take up the oversight duties of Mogaji Akinajo. Hon. Olatunde is now chairing House Committee on Appropriations as well as House Committee on Works and Transports.

Impeccable sources revealed that you UNILATERALLY took the decision without the knowledge of the principal officers of the house and majority of your colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, this is a democratic dispensation, not a military regime. Oyo State House of Assembly is not a private business where you have the absolute power to HIRE and FIRE. I know you don’t have much experience as a legislator. May I educate you that your action is an IMPEACHABLE OFFENCE. This is because you INTENTIONALLY didn’t involve both the House Selection Committee and the Ethics and Privileges Committee. I must emphasize that, in the face of the Nigerian Constitution, your action is undemocratic and, NULL AND VOID, according to the Oyo State House of Assembly standing rules.

This singular development is a stain on the image and political career of Mogaji Akinajo. You ought to have been properly guided by the more experienced members of the 9th Assembly but I don’t know why they’re silent.

As the Number Three citizen of Oyo State, you’re accountable to us. You were elected as the 9th Assembly Speaker to serve the people of the state, not your personal interests. Therefore, as a citizen of Oyo State, I demand to know why a House Committee Chairman would be disgraced in this manner in the Hallowed Chamber? Did he commit any crime while discharging his oversight functions or there are more to it.

Mr. Speaker, all your colleagues (31) cannot please you; learn how to accommodate dissenting people. I’ll never support injustice to be done to you. Therefore, it’s not too late to reverse your action or did you act in vengeance since the humiliated lawmaker is said to be among those challenging some excesses on your part?

Dear Hon. Debo, you can’t be the Speaker of OYSHA forever. Power is transient, and KARMA IS A BITCH.

Long Live Oyo State….

Yours,
Citizen YSO OLANIYI ELODYPER

UP NEXT: INSIDE STORIES OF 9TH OYSHA

Malami’s letter on Oyo LG’s: matter is subjudice, says Makinde’s Political Adviser

By
Peter Ayoade
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The Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, said on Tuesday that the letter credited to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami on the matter of Oyo State Local Governments is sub judice.

Hon. Oduyoye stated that as far as the matter was still before the Court of Appeal, no one is expected to take extra-constitutional measures, except such a person is nursing ulterior motives.

“The matter is in court and as far as we are concerned, it is sub judice,” the Political Adviser said adding that Malami must have committed an obvious blunder by taking a step against the interest of the judiciary and the Constitution he was meant to protect.

 According to Oduyoye, the Government of Oyo State was not oblivious of the intent of some elements in the main opposition party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to plunge the State into crisis and possibly make it ungovernable.

According to the former Chief Whip of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House of Representatives, the purported letter from the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was part of the grand plot to frustrate the Makinde Government, thereby preventing him from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo State.                                                      

 In a statement he personally signed, the Political Adviser, said that the APC’s plan to fight Makinde to a standstill and create tension in Oyo State, thereby forestalling the monumental developmental objectives of his administration would come to nought because, according to him, the people of Oyo State have seen through it all.

Oduyoye maintained that intelligence reports had already indicated that leaders of the APC had marked Makinde as their public enemy number one due to his soaring public image.

“We are aware that a number of politicians are unhappy with the growing popularity of Governor Makinde and especially the recent launch of the Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known asAmotekun.

“The APC in Oyo State has, ever since it lost the March 9, 2019 governorship election, been hell-bent on retaking the seat through the illegal means. We are aware of the several underhand means and dirty tactics they have deployed and were at a stage christened “Pakute Politics.”

Oduyoye further stated that through the statement made by a serving Senator of the APC, who indicated that his party had set traps for Governor Makinde, it became clear that the desperation of APC elements knows no limits.

He warned the Federal Government and its agents to be wary of their actions especially as they affected the local government debacle in Oyo State, as the matter was still in court.

He said: “We have read a letter being circulated in the social media by elements of the APC in which the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), gave a directive to Governor Seyi Makinde to reverse the House of Assembly’s decision to suspend the 68 illegal chairmen of local governments in Oyo State.

“That directive, apart from being unconstitutional and misplaced, is part of the APC’s grand plot to cause a major crisis in Oyo State in order to destabilise the Government of Governor Makinde and ultimately make the State ungovernable.

 “We have intelligence report over series of meetings held by APC leaders, who now feel threatened by Governor Makinde’s soaring profile. They are worried at the manner in which he defeated the APC at the polls and were ashamed that the Supreme Court thwarted their organised attempt to steal his mandate.

“Makinde’s enemies in the APC have also found it repulsive that his stance on the Western Nigerian Security Network, popularly named Amotekun, was driving the security outfit to success.

“We are really not surprised by the desperation of the APC to destabilise Oyo State, ever since it failed in the Governorship election, it has been employing underhand tactics to steal Makinde’s mandate and one of its senators, Teslim Folarin, had even gone as far as saying that the APC had set two traps for the Makinde Government.

“Let us warn those elements who are pushing to destabilise Oyo State through the unholy resurrection of the sacked Council Chairmen that the people of Oyo State will not be used as a tool by unscrupulous elements.

“The Federal Government also needed to be reminded that Nigeria is a federation, with constitutionally guaranteed democratic systems. We urge the government at the centre to await the decision of the court on the matter of Local Government councils in Oyo State rather than use attempt to resort to illegality and measures that are not backed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic, 1999.”

Inter-agency security collaboration, boost to security in Oyo – Makinde

By
Peter Ayoade
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Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has said that inter-agency collaboration among security services has greatly boosted the security situation in Oyo State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor stated this during a reception he organized for the 163 newly promoted senior officers of security agencies in Oyo State, held at the Lawn Tennis Court, Police headquarters Eleyele, Ibadan.
The statement quoted the Governor as saying that the collaboration among the Police and other security agencies in the State has helped the task of maintaining peace, security and protection of lives and property of the people in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
Governor Makinde said that the collaborative efforts of all the security agencies in State has helped to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum, adding that the inter-agency collaboration among the security agencies has made the objective of securing the State easy to achieve.
“I am glad to be here this evening. Few months back, I hosted the vice chancellors of Nigerian universities. They came from all over the country. Some of them who came from where there was serious security challenges told me that they did not feel like returning to their stations because they saw that Oyo State was very peaceful.
“I can tell you that the State is still very peaceful. Who do I thank for that state of affairs? I can only thank all the officers and men of the security agencies in Oyo State. So, I want to use this opportunity to thank all the officers and men of the security agencies in Oyo State.
“I want to also specially appreciate the good work of the heads of the security agencies; the CPs, the Immigration Comptroller, Commandant of the NSCDC for the collaborative effort, because I know that there is no single agency that can cover this entire state alone. And, of course, when you look at Oyo State in terms of landmass, it is bigger than all the state in the Eastern part of Nigeria put together. If you add Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra together, they are not as big as Oyo State in landmass. But because you all have been able to cover every inch of the state, I want to say thank you.”
The Governor, who described the inter-agency collaboration among security agencies in the State as top-notch, noting that there was always eagerness from one agency to assist the other in achieving the objective of securing the State, tasked the security agencies to “keep up” collaborative spirit and not relent in pursuing the goal of keeping Oyo State safe and peaceful.
He said: “When we sit at Executive Council meeting, I used
to think that the security agencies will display a sort of
inter-agency rivalry but that was not what I have seen with these set of leaders working with me. I have seen eagerness from one agency to assist the others to achieve our common objective as far as security of the State is concerned. So, I want to ask that we keep this up.”
The Governor, while congratulating the newly promoted Senior Officers, charged them to see their promotions as call to do more for the country, urging them to be good ambassadors of the Oyo State.
This was just as he charged those still expecting their promotions to work harder, praying that God will uplift them in due course.
The Governor said: “The heads of the security agencies cannot function and deliver without all of you that are seated here tonight. Those that have been promoted should know that it is a call to do more and those who are still expecting their promotion, by the grace of God, it will come but you have to work very hard.
“Some of you, according to the Commissioner of Police, because of the new rank and because there may not be vacancies in the State to accommodate you, you may be posted out of the State for now but I still look forward to us working together somehow. I look forward to our paths crossing in the very near future. It may still be as Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State or as former governor of Oyo State. But we want to build relationships that will last beyond the current assignments of all of us.
“So, please, even though you may be leaving Oyo State momentarily, be good ambassadors of the State. Some of the things you have done here that have allowed all of us to sleep with our two eyes closed, when you get to your new postings, please push those ideas further. What we want is a safe and secure Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Shina Olukolu, appreciated the Governor Makinde-led administration in the State for the huge support it has been giving to the security in the task of securing the State.
He maintained that the Makinde administration, in just seven months, has surpassed the previous administrations in the State in terms of provisions to enhance the performance of the Police in securing the State.
The CP said: “Some of the things that make officers of all the services to want to continue rendering efficient, dedicated services to the society, which will enhance their performance, are training and retraining, logistics to carry out their operations, welfare matters and appreciation.
“Tonight, the Governor has shown that he is someone who has the mindset to ensure that security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, carry out their responsibilities with some
elements of ease.
“I want to say also that the provision to enhance the performance of Police in Oyo State, the Governor has done it in the last couple of months and it has surpassed whatever it was in the past.”
He stated further that the Police and other security agencies in the State would continue to work together to maintain peace and
security of lives and properties across the length and breadth of the State, saying: “This effort, this forward-looking attitude is highly commendable. The members of the Police Force and other security agencies in Oyo State will continue to synergise, work together and keep urging members of the public to continue to work and collaborate with members of the security services and the Nigerian Police Force, so that we can continue to serve them better.
“I also want to let the Governor know that the Nigeria Police Force has young men and women out there; the middle cadre officers, the inspectorate cadre, the rank and file members who are always there to do their job. And if they are not there, even the Commissioner of Police won’t be able to talk. The Commissioner of Police has raised several awards within and outside Oyo State because the rank and file is out there.
“The management team is supportive because the governor has given us material to work with. So, I have the mandate of all of them to assure you that we are committed and dedicated and we will continue to carry out our responsibilities to ensure that Oyo State remain relatively peaceful.”
Speaking further, Olukolu appealed to Governor Makinde to continue giving priority to security in the State as one of the major pillars of his administration, saying the security agencies would continue to secure the State.
He added: “I want to appeal to the governor to continue to ensure that security remains top priority, even though we have read his speeches and studied his actions, and we know that security is one of the pillars of his administration and we will not let him down.
“I am sure that those officers who have been promoted and are going out of the state, by the time they leave this place tonight; they will be going with peace of mind and good recommendation for Oyo State. Wherever they find themselves, they will continue to be good ambassadors of Oyo State.”

Government-private sector collaboration ‘ll boost power supply in Nigeria – Expert

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola

The Private sector collaboration with government on renewable energy is the fastest way to jumpstart Nigeria’s economy, a Power Electronics Specialist, Mrs Peace Ibe, has said.
Ibe, who is the Director, Nexgen Energy and Allied Service Limited, stated this in Ibadan on Thursday.

On an interview with journalists I’m Ibadan, Johnson said, “Nigeria can indeed become a 24-hour economy, if we maximise the potential of renewable energy.

“Most developed countries of the world rely on the private sector to drive the power sector, in collaboration with government.

“This is what should be replicated in Nigeria to address the challenges in this critical sector that can help grow the economy.

“A good number of businesses in Nigeria are small-scale in nature, and are constantly in need of power for production and service delivery.
“If renewable energy is encouraged, it will go a long one in helping small businesses thrive and the ripple effect will be that our economy will be boosted,’’ Ibe said.

Speaking on her company’s plan to collaborate with government, the director said: “The company is positioning itself to align with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Numbers Seven and 13 on clean and affordable energy as well as climate change.

“We have continued to lead others in providing alternative power supply and helping businesses grow in Nigeria.

“More so, our capacity has been enhanced, as Nexgen Energy emerged one of the winners of the 2019 Nigeria Off-Grid Energy Challenge during the 2019 Solar Future Nigeria conference, held in Lagos.

“We are willing to do more, as announced by the organisers of the challenge – All On and the United States African Development Foundation (USADF),’’ she said.

Ibe explained that through the challenge, USADF would provide each of the selected energy enterprises $50,000 grant as seed capital, while All On would provide $50,000 in convertible debt.

In addition to funding, she said that the winners would also receive technical assistance from USADF’s Nigerian technical partner, Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), and governance support from All On.

The Nexgen director said that this would enhance the company’s ability to work effectively and efficiently to address power for agricultural purposes, with the Federal Government’s diversification efforts.

Agric ministry partners GESA Portal to empower women, youths

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola

In a bid to reposition and enhance resilience of livelihood in agricultural production in the state, Oyo state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has partnered with an agricultural based organisation GESA Portal by empowering women and youths across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Ojemuyiwa Jacob Ojekunle in company of the acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Peter Adegunwa and other top officials of the Ministry yesterday played host to an Agricultural based organization known as GESA Agricultural Portal in his office at the state secretariat, Ibadan at a coffee session where issues that bother on women and youths on agriculture were discussed in order to curb the avoidable exposure to vulnerability in the society.

Ojemuyiwa while addressing the organization stated that the issues raised by the group were germane and the ministry of agriculture was well prepared for these class of people considering their level of exposure to vulnerability in the society adding that women and youths are on top of the state government priority list in its drive to industrialize Oyo state through agricultural revolution.

He however expressed his joy and delight at the interactive meeting with the organization and their move to partner with the state government through the Ministry of Agriculture noting that the task before the present administration is a herculean one that require all hands to be on deck proactively including the organized private sector and assured that the ministry is ready for partnership that is aimed at empowering and investing in the people and their emancipation from joblessness and poverty.

He said “Any serious minded government at this crucial period will know that agriculture remains our best alternative to oil if we must improve on our income and we as a state realize this, that is why we already set machineries in motion to transform farm settlements into farm estates across all the zones in the state with provision of social amenities that will make life enjoyable for farmers. The program is about to kick start in the 14 local government areas in ibadan because we mean serious business, nobody is expected to farm with cutlass and hoes anymore as we are already in an era of modern farming where tractors do all the jobs and we believe this initiative of governor Makinde to industrialize the state through agric revolution will be a legacy that will last for generations because this was the same strategy initiated by baba Awolowo when farming was our main source of income.”

The lead consultant, The West African Observers Ms Lara Suleiman, Nyior Raphael, Ajala Muyiwa and the organization’s media director Mr. Muhammad Hameed who were present at the meeting noted that the present administration has shown clearly the political will and commitment to achieve food security, employment generation, and improve the economic fortunes of the state through agriculture, which was why the organization is interested in ways of mutual partnership with the state government to achieve the objectives of agric revolution in the state adding that her organization is ready to work closely with the ministry in areas of capacity building and empowerment of women and youths in Agriculture in order to become productive members of the society.

The Commissioner however thanked the team for their foresight and readiness to partner with the Ministry, he assured that the door of his office is always opened for organizations who wish to join the state government to reposition agriculture into a more prosperous sector in the state.

Makinde, Ooni, Gambari, Afolabi for Ibadan Recreation Club honour

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde; his wife, Omini; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari; pioneer Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Lagos, Professor Olurotimi Tayo are among nine Nigerians to be honoured by the Ibadan Recreation Club (1902) next Friday.
Makinde is to be invested as grand patron of the club, Omini as honorary life member, while Oba Ogunwusi and Alhaji Gambari will be inaugurated as patrons and Olurotimi as a Trustee.
Others to be honoured are Chairman, Ibadan Business School, Mr Yinka Fasuyi; and Managing Director, AMNI International Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Tunde Afolabi as patrons; while former Chief Whip, Osun State House of Assembly, Babayomi Taiwo; and former President of the club, Mr Olagoke Oladinni will be decorated as trustees of the club.
President, Ibadan Recreation Club (1902), Mr Olumakinde Oni made this known while addressing journalists at the club premises, on Monday in Ibadan.
Asked what informed the choices, Oni said the honorees boasted of proven integrity, past successes in their various fields, exemplar philanthropy, wealth of experience, renowned societal standing, great resources and remarkable educational background.
With the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji serving as Royal Father of the day, the honorees and guests will be launching a legacy project.
Oni added that the set to be inaugurated patrons, trustees and life member will help in sustenance of the club, existing since 1902, for generations to come

Oyo govt opens bid for 198  intervention projects

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola

At least, 87 Local contractors participated in the bid opening exercise for the 2018 FGN-UBEC/OYOSUBEB intervention projects held at Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board’s premises.

The exercise, according to the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran was done in compliance with provision of the State Public Procurement Act 2010.

“We allowed due process in this bid opening, which states that people should be allowed to tender for any goods and/or services, and the tender should be open in the presence of the tenderers”, he said.

While he reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s commitment to transparency, openness and integrity at all times, the Chairman also revealed that the projects are being jointly financed by Oyo State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board and the Federal Government, through the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The Chairman revealed that 198 contracts are being rolled out, adding that the process involved transparency and due process.

He said the projects include construction of five Model schools, six ECD Pilot centers, 32 blocks of 3-classroom buildings and 15 blocks of 4-classrooms.

Also, the contractors are bidding for renovation of 59 blocks of classrooms, sinking and erection of 40 units of borehole tanks and tank stands.

Others are, procurement of 36 classroom furniture, sports equipment, 16 motorcycles and one hilux.

Adeniran also disclosed that the Board is in the process of accessing 2019 FGN-UBEC/OYOSUBEB Intervention funds, saying the State Government has approved the release of its counterpart fund.

The Chairman therefore urged most eligible tenderer to deliver a thorough job and ensure speedy completion of the 2018 intervention projects.

He said, “Bidders are strongly advised to ensure speedy project execution, as this administration has zero tolerance for time wastage, as far as project execution is concerned”.

The bid opening exercise was witnessed by representatives of Universal Basic Education Commission, Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Bureau of Public Procurement, Federal Ministry of Education.

Other bodies represented include, Nigeria Institute of Engineers, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and CSACEFA.

Olubadan tasks Lion Club on service to community

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji has tasked the International Association of Lions Clubs, Akobo, Ibadan on greater service to their community.
Oba Adetunji spoke at the investiture investiture of Lion Kehinde Akinwale, as the new President, District 404B1,Akobo Integrity Lions club, Ibadan.
The monarch who was represented by the Oloye Lekan Alabi; the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadanland charged all leaders in the society to always use their privileged position to advance the cause of humanity.
 He lamented the deplorable state of our social infrastructure with the untold hardship on the common man.
 The monarch called on the leaders in every strata of Nigerian society to be alive to the responsibility “to make our world a better place to live in.”
The new president pledged to use his position to help the less privileged and advance the cause of impacting humanity positively.
Akinwale said the hallmark of ‘Lionism’ which is to serve humanity would by upheld during his tenure.
 He revealed that his administration has concluded plans to build a community health center at Abidiodan community in Akobo area of Ibadan for accessible primary health care service delivery.
“While we promised not to deviate from the visions and missions of the founding fathers of the Lions club international and that of Akobo Integrity Club,we will however with your support, take this club and district to the next level”,he added.
Other dignitaries at the investiture program include, the former President,Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Wole Akinwande; Architect Dele Samson; President, Ajorosun club, Sir Oluokun Babalola, family and friends of the celebrant.

Makinde declares emergency on filth, leads road cleaning exercise

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola
Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde on Monday declared a state of emergency on refuse collection and waste management in the state.
The Governor, who was speaking at an extraordinary meeting held inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, said that waste management has become a matter of emergency.
He volunteered to lead in road cleaning exercise and has also mandated all political appointees, the Permanent Secretaries and the workforce to join.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying that poor waste management could have wider implications on the state of health of individuals in the state, adding that if care was not taken, the health situation of people in the state may worsen.
He said: “I am sure that most of you must have gone through our state and have noticed that as far as our solid waste management is concerned, we are all living in the midst of filth basically. I have listened to the commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the Solid Waste Management Authority and I am not satisfied with what I have got.
“Apart from these wastes being an eyesore, it also has wider implications as far as health is concerned, because when you have a filthy environment, all kinds of health challenges will come in.
“So, what has to be done is, we need to declare an emergency on our solid waste management. So, it is a big issue for all of us and we have to take the bull by the horn. We have to take leadership.
“What I have asked to be done is to, first of all, mobilize all resources possible and we will all be out this evening (Monday evening) to do the cleanup and supervise it. We will close early today and at 8’O clock, we are going to Mapo Hall. We have trucks and have mobilized workers and we will take off.”
He stated that he had last participated in such an emergency as the Head Boy of his Secondary School, Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan, adding that he never thought he could be leading another emergency as Governor.
He warned that no one should misconstrue the exercise for showmanship, adding that a serious issue like waste disposal has to be taken with all seriousness.
 He also stated that some elements within the state have specialised in littering the streets with refuse, adding that the state government would stop at nothing to overwhelm their antics.
He said: “This is not for showmanship but a serious challenge that we have. If we don’t do it, I can bet that a few weeks down the line, we will see the impact at our hospitals. Though it’s a short term thing, we just have to do it. I have also heard that there are saboteurs who neatly arrange thrash on the median. Well, I wish them luck because we now have security personnel involved and anyone caught importing waste to Oyo State will be dealt with according to our environmental laws.
“I believe, from our projection, that within the next three to four weeks, we should have a permanent solution in place, a model that will be sustainable and that will also be full-proof for the saboteurs. Seriously, I honestly don’t understand why somebody will want to do this kind of thing to his or her own State.
“Some people said they have set some traps. Why are they setting traps? We are going to spend money, we will spend resources and spend a serious level of time to do all of these to move the state forward.
“Think about the overall well-being of the State. Let us utilize the resources that we have judiciously. I know they are sending money to import the waste. We are going to clean it up and put security on alert but that energy and money, which I know they stole from Oyo State, they should do something meaningful with it; they should create jobs for the people of Oyo State with it.”

APC alleges Makinde, PDP of plan to stampede Supreme Court

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola
     As all attention shifts to the Supreme Court for the final resolution of the controversy surrounding the conduct of the 2019 gubernatorial poll in Oyo State, the All Progressives Congress has claimed to have uncovered alleged plans by Governor Seyi Makinde and the Peoples Democratic Party to heat up the polity with a view to stampeding the Judiciary and whipping up undue sentiments.
        The Appellate Court sitting in Ibadan had on November 11 set aside the Election Petition Tribunal earlier judgment which upheld the declaration of Mr. Makinde as the winner of the March 9 governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The decision of the Court of Appeal was viewed as not declarative enough and both Makinde and the APC candidate, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, have reportedly heads for the Apex Court in Abuja for final determination of the case.
      Oyo APC, in a statement issued in Ibadan and made available to journalists by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ayobami Adejumo, raised the alarm that it had uncovered plans by the Makinde camp to embark on sponsorship of street protests, media write-ups and broadcast media content which would be aimed at creating an overwhelming impression that Makinde won a free and fair mandate and any attempt by the judiciary to act on its findings would spark public unrest in the state.
        “In demonstration of their desperation to hold on to a stolen mandate, Governor Makinde and his lackeys have concluded plans to devote enormous resources of the state to certain activities aimed at misleading the Supreme Court over the all-important case before it. In fact, the arrow head of the plot is a turncoat currently serving in the PDP government and who is popular for constituting a nuisance in the mass media at any given opportunity.
       “Feelers from the Agodi Government House have it that different groups of unscrupulous elements in the society are already lined up for sponsored protests to be carried out consistently in Abuja and Ibadan any moment from now until the day of the judgment which they know would not be in their favour on account of the reality of the electoral fraud which earned them the fake mandate they currently enjoy.
        “Also, we are aware of a secret meeting held recently at a private location in the state capital in which some media practitioners in Lagos and Ibadan were contracted, with heavy sums, to influence media content of their respective print and broadcast organizations with a view to set a satanic agenda for the general public and possibly mislead the Judiciary again.
        “The unprofessional conduct of some radio and television presenters which clearly showed and still shows their unbridled interest in the politics of the land is being leveraged upon by some power mongers to secure unmerited sympathy from unsuspecting members of the public. This time again, the PDP government of Engr. Makinde has raised his game in the area of comprising the bad eggs and use them against the overall good of the society.
         “At this juncture, we are appealing the management of all the print and broadcast organizations in the country to always demand accountability, fairness and objectivity from their employees as this would not only enhance public trust and confidence on their outfits but also position them right for posterity. No biased correspondent, editor or broadcast programme present is worth being called a professional since his or her conduct is devoid of the basic principle of mass media practice.
        “As much as we would not make any attempt to preempt the Apex Court and discuss the case before it, we are optimistic that justice would be done very soon and by the time the whole is made to know about the degree of electoral fraud perpetrated by the PDP and other collaborators in the shameful acts, no single God-fearing person would be left in doubt of Engr. Makinde’s aversion to truth, justice and development of democracy in the land.” APC stated

LGSC Boss Assures Council Officials of Adequate Training

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola

The Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Remi Ayodele, has assured of the present administration’s avowed commitment, under Governor Seyi Makinde, to embark on series of training and retraining of its personnel.

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Firm empowers 50, 000 Nigerians, opens Ibadan office

By
Peter Ayoade
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As part of efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment rate in the country, Property World African Network Group has empowered 50,000 Nigerians.
The PWANG also opened a new office in Ibadan at the weekend in its bid towards empowering Nigerians through its networking business.
The new office located at Challenge area of Ibadan was unveiled by the group’s founder and Chairman, Dr Augustine Onwumere.
It will be recalled that the International property firm was established in 2012 and has 22 offices across the states of Nigeria.
Onwumere said that apart from the company being a business venture, it is also poised at alleviating poverty and unemployment in the country through empowerment.
He said that the company which has more than 50 estates across the country, had in seven years of existence empowered thousands of Nigerians who are doing very well in the country.
“Our company is into property sales and development. We have estates in Ogun, Lagos, Awka, Port Harcourt, Asaba and Warri. Our services extends to Kenya, Ghana and now moving to South Africa.
“Our company is registered. We have structures, buildings, properties, integrity and have responsible people in the group. We are not Ponzi Scheme.
“What we pride about is empowerment. We use these estates as an empowerment platform to help many Nigerians to be gainfully employed and financially independent,” he said.
Onwumere said that PWAN Group is a registered company and had in the last seven years of its existence contributed immensely to the nation’s economic growth.
He said that the company had in the last seven years established 22 offices across the country and empowered more than 50,000 Nigerians.
According to him, “We have more than 50,000 active consultants and partners in the country who have benefitted from the company’s empowerment.
“We offer free training and seminars for our consultants and partners on how to sell and excel on the marketing network ladder. The partner and consultants on the networking chain have various benefits attached to their work,” he said.
Onwumere said that partners and consultants on the company’s marketing network are paid commission with other benefits as they climb through the various steps.
Mr Tony Edeh, a Partner in the group, said the marketing network was a rewarding business and could be undertaken by both employed as well as unemployed Nigerians.
Edeh described the services of the company as rewarsing empowerment platform for every hardworking Nigerian, saying it is a business that runs with no regret.
“This company deals in Real Estate. Any kobo invested in this business duplicates over the years. To become a consultant, you will pay only token of N1,650.
” To become a partner you pay N37,650 and this because a lot of free bills such as travelling are attached to this category. It is a business with no regret,” he said.
Favour Agbodi, a PWAN Consultant, said that the company had enriched her and those she brought into the network.
“Honestly, when I joined them I was broke and Shattered. But now I have a car to my name, travelled to several countries and a proud owner of four different lands in Nigeria.
“Here, you don’t need certificate. If you are passionate about what you want to do and achieve, I think it is a very good platform for you. You have to work for yourself,” she said.
Agbodi said that interested members of the public can register as a partner or consultant and would be paid commission for their services with other benefits.
Our correspondent reports that hundreds of Ibadan residents have started registering with the company, while some others are already participating in the free seminar.

Centennial Anniversary: Zonta trains over 1,000 girls on skills acquisition

By
Peter Ayoade
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Skills acquisition is a veritable means of empowering girls and women to be self reliant and  contribute to the nation’s economy especially those who have been victims of abuse.

Dr Olabisi Awosanya, the President Zonta Club One Ibadan stated this in Ibadan on Saturday at the  Centennial Anniversary of Zonta Club International.

Awosanya said the club has done a lot and is still doing so much to rehabilitate girls and women who have been victims of violence.

“We are celebrating the centennial anniversary and the club as been at the vanguard of advocating for the change of status for girls and women from negative to positive.

“We have trained more than 1,000 girls between January and November.
“We look around our community and identity girls and women who are going through abuse or violence.

“We campaign against child abuse, girls abuse, we want to put a stop to child marriage and we have devised various strategies in achieving these.

“We are partnering with organisation to help teenage girls who are pregnant and have left school. We won a grants of $5,000 out of about 62 clubs who wrote proposals to be able to rehabilitate these girls,” Awosanya said.

She noted that when women and girls have the right information their lives will be better for it and even the whole family stands to benefit.

Mr. Omotayo Morgan, a former International Director at Zonta International urged government to improve the quality of education and revive technical schools to produce skilled work men.

“I will want government to pay emphasis not only on academics but also on technical education.

“Giving people skills so that people will know it’s not when you go to the university only that you can be useful to the society, there are many ways one can be useful.

“Zonta has been championing the cause of women in the last 100 years and it has given hope to so many girls and women through various projects. In Nigeria the Club started in 1970 and has contributed immensely in addressing the plight of girls and women,” Morgan said.

In her remarks, Mr Olajumoke Akere, Vice President Zonta Club one Ibadan, said empowering women is empowering the whole nation.

She said “government should do more in this regard by increasing the quota of women in politics and even budgetary allocation in education and health to address some of the challenges girls and women faced.”

Some women who have benefited from Zonta Club, Mrs Omowumi Anifalaje and Blessing Ogomegbulam said the club helped them forged ahead in life and cope with the day to day challenges.
They said they were able to learn skills that is making them earn a living.

Jubilation as Akinremi wins at Appeal Court, defeats Omotoso for third time

By
Peter Ayoade
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The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan on Tuesday affirmed the lower Tribunal’s judgment which confirmed a lawmaker representing Ibadan North federal constituency, Hon. Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi popularly called Jagaban of Oyo State as the winner of the February 23 Election into the House of Representatives, 
Akinremi Jagaban of the All Progressives Congress garnered 17,048 votes to defeat Mr. Ademola Omotoso of the Peoples Democratic Party who had 16,237 votes.
 Akinremi emerged as the only candidate of the APC to win in Ibadan metropolis, where the opposition Peoples Democratic Party tsunami consumed the aspiration of other parties’ candidates, including Governor Abiola Ajimobi, seeking senatorial bid in Oyo south.

Like the tribunal’s earlier position, the appeal court judges on Tuesday, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was right in its declaration of Akinremi as the winner.

Amidst jubilation galore by his supporters from across wards 1 to 12 in Ibadan North federal constituency, Akinremi Jagaban took to his verified Facebook and remarked thus: “Thank you God; thanks to the good people of Ibadan North.
“The judgement shows that the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency cast their votes to support our course in the last general election.
Akinremi Jagaban continued, “We thank Almighty God on all the court judgement so far. Finally all court cases have been won and we shall have enough time to see to more amenities that awaits our Federal Constituency.
“This judgment will give me ample opportunity to be more focussed on attracting federal government projects; greater employment for youths in Ibadan North; empowerment for traders, artisans and my foundation (Prince Akinremi Foundation will be more strengthened to support more needies.
“More importantly, I will participate more actively in the lawmaking for the greater good of the people of Ibadan North in particular, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Akinremi Jagaban added.
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