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Gov Makinde Receives Ibadan Circular Road Protesters•••Reiterates Commitment To Prioritise The People’s Welfare

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By Adeleke Maria    On Monday, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, received Ibadan Circular Road protesters at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noting that his administration is a listening government that will continue to look out for the well-being of everyone. Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration has not acquired any land on the corridor, stating that while the former Governors Lam Adesina and Rashidi Ladoja set the 150 metres mark, the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi acquired and gazetted additional 350metres. He reassured the protesters that any buildings that have already been erected within the 500m corridor but outside the 150m corridor will be accommodated in the development. He also called on the residents to send representatives that will sit with the authorities to determine how they will be accommodated in the corridor development. Governor Makinde also stated that anyone who has not started their project within this corridor should not start now as they will not be accommodated within the new arrangement. In his words: “I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition and I have asked them to put a stop to whatever demolition they are doing. I promise you. Anyone who already has a building within the 150m-500 metres, none of the houses that are standing right there will be demolished but there must be no further development on that corridor.” The governor, who appreciated the protesters for their peaceful conduct, reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State while also keeping its focus on developing the state sustainably, saying “you will have to appoint some representatives in these communities to sit down with the government and look for a way out, because we are doing the Circular Road project so that we can create employment opportunities for our people. We will have industries along the corridor.” Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu and Mr Azeez Olaide applauded Governor Makinde’s developmental projects, especially the construction of Ibadan Circular Road, which they noted had influenced development around the area. They also appreciated the governor for his favourable response to their plight.

2025 Budget: Oyo Govt To Hold 6th Consultative Stakeholders’ Engagement

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In line with its tradition of engaging residents of Oyo State to seek their inputs in the preparation of the state’s annual budgets, the state government will, on Wednesday, kick-start the sixth consultative engagement with stakeholders across the state with a view to producing a people-oriented 2025 Budget. The annual stakeholders’ engagement will begin at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with subsequent town hall meetings to be held across the seven zones of the state. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, stated this at the weekend, noting that the meeting, which is the sixth in the series of the Town Hall meetings organised by the state since the inception of Governor Makinde’s administration in 2019, was “designed to engage the citizenry in the preparation and implementation of the state’s Annual Budget for the year 2025.” He added that “this year’s engagement is set to redefine the governance initiative of this administration. This programme is designed to align the state with the world best practices in the preparation of annual budgets, which support an all-inclusive and open approach to governance, rather than the top to bottom approach. “The objectives of this approach are; to restructure our processes to establish a solid base for our development aspirations. The restructuring is still ongoing and will extend to all facets of state development and to prevent the state from overdependence on federal allocation by increasing the state IGR and make our budget as realistic and as achievable as possible.” The Professor of Economics added that the stakeholders’ meeting will also strengthen the bond between government and the people of the state by seeking their inputs into 2025 budget. “Apart from ensuring that resource allocations are geared towards impactful projects and programmes implementation that will improve the welfare of the citizenry, this year Town Hall meeting will also seek to build people’s confidence in government. “This engagement will improve the performance of the budget and sustain the developmental objectives of this administration,” Babatunde added.

NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms For Three Days Starting Monday

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  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday across the nation. NiMet`s weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday forecast morning thunderstorms on Monday over parts of Sokoto state, Kebbi and Borno. According to it, thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto States later in the day. “Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Kwara States during the morning hours. “ In the afternoon and evening periods, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue and Kogi states. “Rains are envisaged over the southwest inland, especially parts of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun extending to the coastal states of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States during the morning hours, “ it said. The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Abia, Osun, Imo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states later in the day. NiMet anticipated isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara states during the morning hours on Tuesday. According to it, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Adamawa states later in the day. “Thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue and Nasarawa States within the morning hours. “Later in the day thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states. “Morning rains are envisaged over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross river and Rivers States while the remaining parts of the South should be cloudy,” it said. It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross river and Rivers States later in the day. The agency predicted morning thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states on Wednesday. According to it, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states. NiMet forecasts thunderstorms over parts of Niger and Kwara States while the remaining States in the North Central should be cloudy during the morning hours. “ Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States. Rains are expected over parts of Cross River. Rivers and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours with cloudy skies to the rest of the states in the South. “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over most parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta States,,“ it said. NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as there is a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours. According to it, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, so the public should take adequate precaution. “Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website, www.nimet.gov.ng.”   NAN

Dapo Abiodun Dragged by EFCC Over Alleged Rice Farm Fraud Misrepresentation

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  The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation involving a private rice farm in the state. The anti-corruption and human rights group accused the governor of falsely parading a privately owned rice farm as a World Bank-assisted Ogun State Government project. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the petition, signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, was prompted by a report from Peoples Gazette on September 12, 2024, which detailed the governor’s alleged claims over a rice farm belonging to Bello Zabarmawa, the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor. The farm, located in Ogun State, was reportedly leased by Zabarmawa under the company “Young Service Grow” and using “Alubarika Farms.” It was gathered that he invested N6 million to lease 220 hectares of land and provided interest-free loans to 200 farmers to boost rice cultivation. Zabarmawa claimed that the Ogun State Government supported the project by covering half of the land clearing costs and contributing to fertilizer expenses. However, accoridng to the petition, when the rice was ready for harvest, Governor Abiodun allegedly visited the farm and publicly misrepresented it as a state government initiative, allegedly funded by the World Bank. This, according to HEDA, raises concerns about potential misappropriation of public funds meant for agricultural development in the state. HEDA expressed alarm at the governor’s actions, which they say reflect a troubling pattern of political leaders exploiting public resources for personal benefit. In their petition, the organisation called on the EFCC to investigate the alleged misrepresentation and determine whether any funds allocated for public agricultural projects were diverted. Suraju emphasised that this case represents yet another example of the deep-rooted corruption that continues to plague Nigeria’s governance. “Nigeria has endured too many years of poor governance and corruption at the hands of leaders who prioritise personal enrichment over the welfare of citizens,” he said. HEDA, he added, is committed to promoting transparency and accountability across all levels of government. The anti-corruption group urged the EFCC to act swiftly in uncovering the truth and ensuring that all parties involved, including Governor Abiodun, are held accountable if found culpable. HEDA also commended the EFCC for its efforts in tackling corruption in Nigeria and expressed optimism about the outcome of the investigation.

Oro Is Vital For Yoruba Monarchs To Exercise Authority – ICIR President

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  The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Mogaji Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, has declared that for any Yoruba monarch to establish territorial and social authority in their domain, the Oro deity is an essential tool. Fakayode said any Oba that fails to give the Oro adherents their due respect will lose control of his domain and become irrelevant. He said this on Saturday evening at a special lecture organized to commemorate the 2024 World Oro Festival at the Aseyin palace, Iseyin, Oyo State. Dr. Fakayode added that any Yoruba community that gives recognition to Oro has the opportunity of being in peace, because evil-minded people will desert such area. While discussing the topic of the lecture, titled: “Waning Moral Values and The Role of Tradition and Yoruba Culture,” the ICIR President opined that the prevalence of electoral crisis, contract killing, economic downturn and insecurity, reflected a society that is at the threshold of anomie and according to historical facts, the Yorubas of old used Oro to reverse the trend. “Our bad attitude towards the way of our ancestors is responsible for our current ordeal, our ancestors have invented a system to implant peace and harmony in the society. Oro festival is one of the devices that our fathers of old developed to make the land conducive for living. “Oro is a male Orisa, he is one of the Orisas who descended from the celestial realm. Therefore, Oro is an Imole, whose real name is Ita. When he was co-existing with other Orisas, he liked emphasizing the relevance of sacrifices initiations and rituals to maintain development and ward off iniquities, which made him popular and well respected among his peers. “It is important to note that Oba, the King, owns the land, he is the second in command to the Òrìṣà. This means Oba is the authority on earth, because he is the representative of the ancestors and the Òrìṣà. If the Oba is the authority, how does his authority be effective? “Here we are talking about real Obas in Yoruba land like Aseyin of Iseyin, Alaafin of Oyo, Oonirisa of Ile-Ife, Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso, we are not referring to the misfit who call himself Emir in Yorubaland, besides Ilorin on which we need to beg our ancestors to reclaim for us. “Oro has become a symbol of the King’s authority. This is why the Kings of towns where Oro is celebrated are always powerful and have strong authority. Whenever people want to render a King powerless, whenever they do not want him to have control of his domain any longer, they will campaign against Oro festival of the town. If they are successful in their evil plan, the King has lost his authority, which will reflect in prevalence of social vices and predominace of dangerous crimes and people will manifest. “Oro is a system of security and protection of the community. Those who don’t understand our tradition think it is a thing of darkness. Even nowadays, the Police, the Army and others who provide security for our communities must always keep their activities confidential.” Mogaji Fayemi called on political, religious and leaders of thought in Yorubaland to urgently seek the help of Oro and other Isese adherents to right the current wrongs that he said have become pervasive and bearing damning consequences. Present at the event were traditional Chiefs, youths organizations, Civil society members and students from public and private schools, who provided entertainment for the audience.

Edo Election: Civil Society Coalition Warns INEC, Security Agencies Against Dire Democratic Consequences Of Compromise

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  The Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security Agencies to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process in the collation of the Edo State Governorship Election Results as the consequences of compromise will be dire to Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, on Sunday, the coalition of over 75 Civil Society Groups, Community-based Organisations, and Socio-political Pressure groups, noted that “the 2023 general elections exposed INEC’s glaring inefficiencies and blatant disregard for democratic principles”, saying that the “Edo election presents an opportunity for redemption as any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be vehemently resisted.” The Civil Society organizations in the Press Statement says, We demand that “INEC conduct itself in a manner that inspires confidence in the electoral process. This includes strict adherence to electoral guidelines and laws, transparent collation and announcement of results, and neutrality and impartiality. “Compromising democracy invites anarchy. Edo voters, not INEC or external forces, must decide their next Governor. The era of court-decided elections is over. The people’s decision must prevail, and their voices must be heard loud and clear in Edo State. “We equally caution Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the NSCDC, the Military, and the DSS, against succumbing to political pressure or inducement of any kind aimed at thwarting the electoral outcome in the State. Your role is to safeguard democracy, not undermine it. Maintaining professionalism throughout the electoral process is non-negotiable. “To the people of Edo State, we urge continued vigilant participation. Protect your vote; ensure your voice is heard. The world watches, and history will judge the actions of INEC and the Security Agencies in the ongoing governorship election. “We will not tolerate any form of manipulation or rigging. The Edo election must be free, fair, and credible”, the Civil Society Coalition insisted.

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara Denied Job Slot By FCC Due To Mandate Constraints

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  The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has issued a clarification regarding the denial of a job placement for former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, stating that the request fell outside its operational mandate. This comes in light of Wabara’s allegations that the FCC refused job placements for constituents in his wards, claiming that his efforts were hindered due to his unwillingness to provide monetary inducements. Wabara expressed his frustration, asserting, “You won’t believe that up till now, nothing has been done for the simple reason that I have not dropped any money and that they cannot even ask me to drop money.” In a statement released by the FCC’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr. Chuks Okoli, the commission clarified that Wabara was informed during a March 2023 meeting with FCC Executive Chairman Dr. Muheeba Dankaka that the FCC does not act as a recruitment agency. The Commission emphasized its primary role is to monitor recruitment processes across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure fairness and equity. The FCC challenged Wabara to substantiate his claims, urging the public to disregard his accusations of a “bribe for FCC job slot.” The statement highlighted that Dr. Dankaka has maintained a commitment to the principles of Federal Character in all recruitment practices since taking office. “To address this serious allegation, we ask the former Senate President to provide the names of individuals who purportedly solicited bribes from him for job placements for his family. We strongly encourage the public to dismiss his unsubstantiated claims of bribery in relation to FCC job placements,” the statement read.

2024 World Clean-Up Day: Makinde calls on residents to follow environmental regulations

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    Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, implored residents of the state to abide by the environmental laws and patronise the waste contractors assigned to their communities instead of disposing waste indiscriminately. The governor stated this at an event held to commemorate the World Cleanup Day tagged “Make Room for Life, ” organised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. At the event held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, equally reiterated that the Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, which was established recently to enforce environmental laws and bring defaulters to justice, has been equipped to perform effectively. Speaking on the theme, the governor implored the people to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and complement government efforts in ensuring safe and clean environment. He added that abuse of the environment through human activities is on the increase with its attendant consequences on the collective well-being of everyone. He, however, maintained that the Governor Makinde-led administration, having realised that making room for life means taking deliberate steps to preserve the ecosystem that support life, has been proactive in tackling issues related to climate change by promoting the use of renewable energy and encouraging tree planting campaigns across the state. In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Commitee on Environment, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, assured of more support and collaboration to enact and enforce environmental laws to make the state more environmentally safe. Delivering their lectures separately at the event, the Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Dr Adamu Garba and former Head of Department, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan, Dr Shade Akinsete lauded Governor Makinde’s policies on environmental protection and cleanliness, which they noted have continued to attract investors and tourists to the state. They both explained that making room for cleaner and safe environment is about the future and sustainability, communication, change of attitude and individuals’ mindsets. Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the event is an opportunity not only to clean up the environment but also to clean up the people’s mindset- replacing indifference with compassion, wastefulness with efficiency, and neglect with stewardship. He added that the theme for the year as declared by the United Nations (UN), “is appropriate at a time the planet experiences challenges of climate change occasioned by reckless burning of fossil fuel, improper waste management techniques, forest degradation and deforestation, among others.” He stressed that the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified efforts to implement strategies and policies that promote effective waste management, recycling, environmental education, and sustainable development, enjoining all to also intensify their efforts to clean, protect and preserve the planet to make it better and habitable. Also speaking, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Abass, expressed appreciation to the government for the laudable exercise, saying continuous effort to clean up and sanitise the state by the government is for the best interest of all residents. He pledged the continuous support of market leaders in the state. The event had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo ably represented by the Director of Maintenance, Mr Solomon Bamigbola; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni); Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Solihu Adelabu and the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, among other stakeholders.

NAFDAC Issues Warning To Nigerians About Fake Dettol Soap

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  NAFDAC has alerted Nigeria to the sale of a fake soap labeled as “Dettol Health Fresh Soap” in the market. According to the alert on NAFDAC’s website on Thursday, the manufacturer of Dettol Antiseptic products confirmed that the soap is fake as it does not have any product by the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.” “The Marketing Authorisation Holder and manufacturer (Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited) of Dettol Antiseptic products, received a consumer complaint regarding the above-mentioned product. The product was reported to have caused skin irritation to the complainant. “The MAH has confirmed that the product is fake as they do not have any product by the name “Dettol Health Fresh Soap”. Dettol Antiseptic products are widely used in Nigeria for household disinfection and personal hygiene to prevent illnesses from germs (bacterial infection),” it said. It added that details of the complaint product were not provided by the complainant except for the name of the product “Dettol Health Fresh Soap.” The agency noted that the illegal marketing of NAFDAC-regulated products or fake products poses a risk to people’s health, and since they do not comply with the regulatory provisions, the products’ safety, quality, and efficacy are not guaranteed. It said all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the fake product if found within the zones and states. “Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the fake product. All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. “Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. “Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng”

BREAKING: State Government Halts House Marking And Demolition On Circular Road

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    The Oyo State Government has directed officials from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to cease marking and demolishing buildings beyond a 150-meter boundary along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. This announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, alongside Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport. In his address, Akin-Funmilayo emphasized the administration’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens and reassured affected homeowners that they would receive adequate compensation. The government has commenced an enumeration process to assess properties in the corridor impacted by the road project. Contradicting claims that Governor Seyi Makinde had extended the setback from 150 meters to 500 meters, Akin-Funmilayo clarified that no new land acquisitions had occurred since the governor’s administration began in 2019. He outlined that the original 150-meter boundary was established in August 2006 under Ladoja’s government, and an additional 350-meter setback was later gazetted by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2018. Akin-Funmilayo reassured residents that the government aims to minimize disruptions during road construction.“ While some buildings may need to be cleared, we assure affected homeowners that proper compensation will be provided. The marking of buildings is primarily for enumeration purposes, to freeze ongoing developments,” he stated. Addressing concerns about potential demolitions, he clarified, “The marking does not imply demolition. It serves two purposes: to identify existing structures before construction begins and to ensure those eligible for compensation are documented. We’ve observed new constructions despite warnings, and those developments may not be compensated.” The commissioner also highlighted that the state intends to preserve existing settlements within the 150-meter buffer, ensuring they are not removed. He invited residents to support government initiatives, reassured them of ongoing communication, and reiterated that, for the time being, no buildings beyond the 150-meter mark would be marked or demolished. Residents, represented by Prince Niyi Fasoye, expressed hopes for favorable engagement with Governor Makinde’s administration regarding the ongoing developments.

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