THUGS ATTACK ANTI-FGM ACTIVIST … Volunteers injured, maimed, others killed

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  In September 2024, an anti-Female Genital Mutilation activist, Fatimah Olaitan Gbemisola, a Nigeria Registered Nurse-Midwife, and other activists and volunteers were attacked by hoodlums during a peaceful protest along the Government Secretariat Road, Ibadan. The thugs who were armed with sticks, cudgels, machetes and other dangerous weapons had descended on the unsuspecting group, chanting ‘ E pa Fatimah ati awon ti e’ (meaning ‘Kill Fatimah and her people’). Several of the activists and volunteers were injured, while few others were killed in the struggle. According to witnesses, aside of those that were killed, Fatimah was also brutally stabbed before she was whisked out of the immediate vicinity of attack by some of the volunteers and some good Samaritans who bundled her into the trunk of a passing car straight to the hospital and ensure her escape. In October 2024, Fatimah was also attacked at the premises of Fresh FM where she had gone to speak on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced early marriage, rights of the girl-child and what transpired at the protest of the previous month. Fatimah was snuggled out of the back of the radio station to escape the irate mob waiting for her at the entrance. Since that last narrow escape, Fatimah has been on the run. Her family has declared a black sheep, while traditionalists and other religious groups are out to deal decisively with her. Information from some close friends and fellow activists indicates Fatimah as at the time of filing this report she’s no where to be found.

Oyo Gov’t,UNICEF Promote Handwashing Practices To Fight Diseases(Photos)

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  The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Lagos Field Office have urged residents of the State to recommit to the practice of proper handwashing method. The Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA),Mr. Babalola Afobaje stated this at an event in Okolo, Ibarapa-East Local Government to commemorate the Year 2024 Global Handwashing Day, with the theme “Why are Clean Hands still Important?”. He emphasised the life-saving importance of handwashing with soap, calling it a health necessity, that prevents the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and pneumonia. Afobaje noted that significant progress has been made by the government in promoting hygiene in Oyo State, through different efforts, with the support of UNICEF and other developmental partners. Afobaje therefore added that it is essential to maintain and improve handwashing practices beyond public health emergencies. He acknowledged the support of partners such as UNICEF and Sato Lixil in promoting health hygiene in Oyo State. The Chairman also called on the media to play a critical role in spreading the message of handwashing to nooks and crannies of Nigeria. “Each of us has a role to play in making handwashing a universal practice,” he said. “Handwashing with soap is an important prevention for sanitation-related diseases. It will prevent us in Oyo State, particularly Ibarapa-East local government from getting sick,” the Chairman noted. In his own words, UNICEF Water and Sanitation (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson stressed that Ibarapa-East local government is very key in handwashing campaign, adding that this is why the 2024 global event is celebrated in Okolo. Johnson said handwashing practice prevents disease outbreaks and reduces the impact of future pandemics. He also highlighted its role in combating pandemics and supporting efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The UNICEF Specialist acknowledged that some parts of Ibarapa-East still lack access to toilet facilities, adding that UNICEF hopes to end open defecation in Ibarapa-East local government very soon through the support of RUWASSA and Sato Lixil. He appealed to market men and women, teachers, parents and guardians to push for handwashing practices in their homes. The Director, Community Mobilisation and Hygiene Education, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele called on parents and all stakeholders to key into the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target, which focuses on access to water and sanitation. He said parents and teachers must accelerate efforts to improve hygiene services in the State. “Help the Oyo State government amplify hygiene messages and inspire your children to take responsibility for their health and the health of others,” he said. Adegoke urged all stakeholders to take concrete actions to ensure universal hand hygiene. To commemorate the 2024 Global Handwashing Day on October 15, the Director, Environmental Health Services, Ibarapa East LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Akintola demonstrated hand washing techniques in the presence of school pupils and parents present. The event was attended by the Vice-chairman, Ibarapa-East Local government, Hon. Olakunle Jacob, who led other members of the local government to the event. Also in attendance were the General Manager, OYORUWASSA, Mr. Mumeeni Adeduntan; Director Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Natural resources, Mrs. Bukola Areo; representative of Sato Lixil, Michael Adegbe; traditional rulers and residents of the town.

CAF Pulls Out Nigeria, Libya AFCON Qualifier Amidst Controversy

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  The Confederation of African Football has delisted the Group D second-leg fixture of the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. The game was earlier scheduled to take place in Libya by 8 pm after the first leg took place in Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday. The Super Eagles beat the Mediterranean Knights by a lone goal in the dying minute of the game. However, the return leg has been greeted with controversy after the Super Eagles players and officials narrated their over 14 hours ordeal at the Libya airport leading them to return home. Meanwhile, CAF said it had launched an investigation into the incident after the Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria. The African football body further updated games that would be played on Tuesday without including the Libya versus Nigeria game on its X handle.

Wife Of Former Oyo Governor, Tinuade Ladoja, Dies at 71

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  Tinuade Ladoja, wife of former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, passed away on Monday morning after a brief illness. She was 71. The former governor’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, confirmed her demise in a telephone interview, saying, “Yes, it is confirmed. She is dead. May God repose her soul.” Until her passing, Tinuade held significant influence as a member of the Pastor-in-Council of the Celestial Church of Christ, the church’s highest decision-making body. She was also a dedicated member of the CCC Ikeja Parish 1 Cathedral. The parish announced her death on its Facebook page, quoting Psalm 100:3: “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. We submit to His will.” The post concluded with a simple “#farewell.” Tinuade’s legacy and contributions to the community will be deeply missed.  

Oyo CSDA Funds Another 132 Micro-Projects In 66 Communities …Reiterates Makinde’s Commitment To Eradicate Out-of-school Children Syndrome(Photos)

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  The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA) has disbursed funds for the implementation of another 132 micro-projects across sixty-six communities in Oyo State. This was disclosed at a training programme organized by the agency on Monday at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, where focus was directed at project implementation procedures, aimed at bolstering resilience and economic recovery. In his keynote address, Hon. Abideen Adeaga, who is the Board Chairman of OYCSDA, expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support in approving the collaboration programme with the World Bank and the Federal Government to achieve the gains of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Oyo State. The NG-CARES initiative, domesticated as OYO-CARES, according to Adeaga, seeks to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable population, unemployed youths, small businesses and farmers. He highlighted the program’s significant interventions across 66 communities, marking a historical milestone in the State’s community development efforts. He also acknowledged the Governor’s recent decision to increase project funding from ₦15 million to ₦18 million due to rising costs, ensuring that community-driven micro-infrastructure projects in areas like healthcare, education, water, and erosion control are successfully completed. These efforts, according to the Chairman, are tailored towards eradicating the out-of-school children crisis by construction and renovation of schools with furniture and toilets, mitigate the effects of erosion on communities through intervention in culverts construction, as well as construction and renovation of community health centers and provision of motorized boreholes for the people in the various communities. “This gesture from our Governor for approving the disbursement of funds to sixty-six communities across the State is unprecedented, so that OYCSDA would embark on such massive micro-projects. “It is also noteworthy to State that the Governor approved the review of each Community Development Plan (CDP) from #15million to #18million, so as to take care of the economic realities of the day. “All these are tailored towards total eradication of the out-of-school children syndrome in our State, eradication of water-borne diseases and to guide against untoward occurrences caused by erosion in these communities,” he added. The General Manager of OYCSDA, Mr. Jelili Salau, emphasized the training’s dual purpose of building the capacity of CPMCs and initiating the disbursement of funds to kick-start community projects. He applauded the Governor’s foresight in approving funds for 66 concurrent projects and underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders for the program’s success. The NG-CARES initiative, as stated by Salau, designed, using a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, empowers communities to identify, plan, implement and manage their own micro-projects, with OYCSDA ensuring quality standards, supervision, and effective financing throughout the process. Goodwill messages were delivered by the former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Projects Intervention, Hon. Tiamiyu Suraju, a former Permanent Secretary and General Manager of OYCSDA, Alhaji Busari Olalekan, Engr. Abisola Adabanija, a member of the OYCSDA board, Mrs Jadesola Ajibola as well as the representative of the OYO-CARES Coordinating Unit among others.

Oyo Governor Urges Nigerian Air Force To Expand Operations In The State (PHOTOS)

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  Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has expressed a strong desire for the Nigerian Air Force to enhance its operations in the state. During a meeting at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Monday, the governor assured that his administration would continue to provide essential support to facilitate the swift completion of the Air Force Base in Ajia and collaborate on additional operational areas. Governor Makinde praised the Nigerian Air Force for its significant contributions to state security, noting their continued support to his administration. “The Air Force has been a pillar of support since my tenure began, assisting in keeping Oyo State safe and secure,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to the Air Force personnel for their dedication. In conversation with Air Vice Marshal Kolade Ademuwagun, the Air Officer Commanding of the Logistics Command, Nigerian Air Force, the governor conveyed his appreciation for the Force’s efforts and highlighted their roles in enhancing the state’s security framework. He also acknowledged the Air Force’s involvement in the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international status. Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of a functional Air Force Base in Ajia, assuring that the state government had addressed compensation for any individuals displaced by the project. He recognized inflation’s impact on budget considerations and expressed the state’s readiness to increase financial support for the project’s timely completion. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Air Force amid international standards for aviation, the governor encouraged officers to persevere, stating, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” Air Vice Marshal Ademuwagun reciprocated the governor’s sentiments, commending the strong relationship between the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Air Force. He highlighted the state’s rich history and praised Makinde’s strategic vision in areas such as economy, education, and agriculture. The meeting was attended by several key officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinola Ojo, among others. Ademuwagun was accompanied by Air Commodore George Akinyimika, the Air Officer Commanding 671 NAF Detachment in Ibadan, and other senior officials from the Nigerian Air Force.

NIGERIA vs LIBYA: Libyan Football Federation President Resigns Amid Super Eagles Row

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  Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, President of the Libyan Football Federation, has tendered his resignation. According to The Libya Observer, Al-Shalmani’s resignation was announced during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly on Sunday. “I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports,” Al-Shalmani stated. While expressing gratitude to his colleagues, he forgave those in the sports sector. “I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added. The resignation comes at a time when the Super Eagles of Nigeria are accusing the Libyan football authority of “inhumane treatment” upon arrival in the country ahead of the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The team which was stranded at Al Abraq International Airport for over 16 hours without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, is currently heading back to the West African country. Meanwhile, the Confederation OF African Football (CAF) has vowed to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. In a statement, it said, “CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities. “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

NBS Ranks Oyo Number One In The South As Makinde Hits 22,000+ Employment In Five Years.

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  The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has announced Oyo State as the most employment friendly State in the Southern part of Nigeria. In a statement made by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, NBS, a Federal Government Agency made this declaration in the latest employment statistics published for 2024. The document, according to the Commissioner, reveals a significant decline in Oyo State unemployment rate, recording an impressive 2.0%, thereby announcing Oyo State as leading in employment creation, surpassing 31 other States in the Federation including the FCT which recorded a 14.1% unemployment rate as at September 26, 2024. According to the Commissioner, the NBS figure is not surprising because employment in the State has been consistently high-pitched. Recently, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, announced the employment of 7,000 new staff. Two weeks ago, the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, also announced the employment of 7,500 teachers and 3,000 non-teaching Staff. This is in addition to the 5,000 Teachers employed to TESCOM by Gov. Makinde in his first term. In the Health Sector, the State government just concluded the employment process of 375 personnel into the State Hospital Management Board, including Medical Doctors, Nurses, Specialist Consultants, Hospital Administrators, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Physiotherapists and other junior cadre officers. And as we speak, the employment of 791 staff into the Oyo State Civil Service Commission is ongoing. In the same vein, the Seyi Makinde administration has effected the pardoning, reinstatement and promotion of 1,800 workers. In a rare approach to governance, Governor Seyi Makinde had ensured that his performances in all sectors, including people’s welfare and employment surpassed his first four years even when the administration is less than two years into the second term.

Hon. Olayinka Segelu Condoles With Alhaji Abdulwasiu Tomiwa Omolewa Over Wife’s Death

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  By Adeleke Maria    A gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 election in Oyo State under the umbrella of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Olayinka Segelu is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Alhaja Ganiyat Omolewa the beloved wife of Alhaji Abdulwasiu Tomiwa Omolewa. Hon. Segelu sends his heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Alhaji Tommy as you are fondly called, your strength and kindness in the face of adversity have always inspired me, and I have immense respect for the support you have offered to countless individuals, including myself. I remember our time together, where you selflessly devoted an entire day to guide me, demonstrating not only your commitment to helping others but also your love for your own family. I admire your belief that one day, we may all need a helping hand. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with your wife and in the love of those around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and all the PMS staff across Oyo State during this time of mourning. Accept my condolences!

JUST IN: NFF Withdraws Super Eagles From AFCON Qualifier After Libya Airport Nightmare

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  The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has withdrawn the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. The decision follows a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team was stranded since arrival on Sunday afternoon. The chartered aircraft was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations, leaving players and officials without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation. The NFF stated that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, three hours away. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by Libyan authorities, describing the situation as “disgraceful” and accusing the hosts of playing “mind games.” The team is being flown back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture. Details later…

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