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(PHOTOS) Night of Worship 2025(November Edition) Delivers a Stirring Encounter with God

November 18, 2025 by admin

Ibadan – Grace Court Global came alive on Sunday as worshippers gathered for the highly anticipated Night of Worship 2025(November Edition) tagged: The outstretched arm of God. The evening proved extraordinary, leaving attendees deeply moved by a remarkable outpouring of God’s presence. Convened by Adeleke Maria, the concert unfolded as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, praise, and spiritual refreshing. The Night of Worship delivered a seamless blend of intense worship, soul-lifting music, and unforgettable moments of divine encounter. Speaking after the event, Maria expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support she received throughout the planning process and during the worship experience itself. “God truly did it. I was surrounded by people who carried this assignment like it was theirs,” she said. A major part of her appreciation went to her spiritual parents, Pastor Tosin & Pastor Mrs. Bukola Tope Babalola (The Host Pastors of Grace Court Global),whose steadfast guidance, prayers, and encouragement played a pivotal role in the success of the event. Their spiritual covering and unwavering involvement strengthened the foundation of the entire project. She also extended heartfelt gratitude to the guest minister, Pastor Laolu Samuel, who graced the event with an extraordinary ministration. Arriving with his dynamic team, the Fresh Wine Crew, Pastor Samuel brought an atmosphere of fresh anointing and excellence that greatly enriched the worship experience. His immense support for the program and the depth of his ministry left a lasting imprint. Additionally, the event’s project manager, Mr. Atilola Emmanuel, received notable commendation for his remarkable professionalism and expertise as an Event Manager. His capacity to coordinate diverse teams, streamline logistics, and ensure seamless execution was evident throughout the Night of Worship. From planning to production, Mr. Emmanuel’s dedication, attention to detail, and calm leadership greatly elevated the event’s overall excellence, contributing significantly to its success and smooth flow. His work stood out as a model of efficiency and commitment. The Grace Court Drama Department also drew wide admiration for their powerful ministration during the program themed “The Outstretched Arm of God.” Through a captivating performance filled with emotion, creativity, and spiritual depth, the team brought the theme to life in a way that resonated deeply with the audience. Their presentation not only enriched the worship experience but also conveyed a compelling message of God’s power, mercy, and unfailing presence, leaving many in the congregation visibly moved and inspired. Attendees described the Night of Worship as “a revival,” “an unforgettable encounter,” and “a night where heaven kissed the earth.” The choir, musicians, technical teams, and various support units of the church all played crucial roles in making the event a success. As the curtains closed, the host,Maria offered heartfelt thanks to every individual and department involved, affirming that the success of Night of Worship 2025 was a testimony of unity, sacrifice, and the undeniable grace of God. The church looks forward to an even bigger and more glorious edition in the coming year.

2025 World Clean-Up Day: Oyo, UNICEF Champion Sustainable Fashion to Reduce Textile Waste

November 2, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the state. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need to sensitize residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling. He said “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society “Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.” He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities. Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors. “The fashion industry contributes about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 percent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented. Ashamu stressed that under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has made significant progress in improving waste collection and disposal systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. He added that the Ministry has intensified community engagement and environmental education to promote active citizen participation. In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability. “A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative support for environmental initiatives in the state. Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption. According to him, “Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the indiscriminate burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions. The event featured expert lectures, including Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo) who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.” Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended the event, pledging their commitment to a cleaner and greener Oyo State. In the same development, the Oyo State Government held a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness. Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise is designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment. In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, explained that the exercise is part of the broader campaign to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens. He noted that Oja-Oba was strategically chosen as both a commercial and cultural hub of Ibadan, urging market men and women to lead by example in maintaining cleanliness. Dr. Ojelabi revealed that Oyo State has improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, a feat he credited to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms. Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities. “Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted, “and Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”

Nigeria Hits 2025 Revenue Target in August, Tinubu Announces

September 2, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced that Nigeria hit its 2025 revenue target in August, driven largely by proceeds from the non-oil sector. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu disclosed this at the Presidential Villa while receiving founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and The Buhari Organisation led by former Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. Tinubu said the feat underscored the impact of his administration’s economic reforms. “The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to obtain foreign exchange or import goods,” the President said. Tinubu assured Nigerians that his Renewed Hope Agenda remained anchored on infrastructure renewal, improved health facilities, food sovereignty, and security. He disclosed that the federal government would establish agricultural mechanisation centres across all regions to boost cultivation, expand harvests, and create jobs. “What we need now is building the ship and the vessels for the export of our goods and creating more jobs for our people,” he added. The President also pledged to sustain and immortalise the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying a Buhari House would be established while more former CPC members would be brought into government. Al-Makura, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, assured Tinubu of the group’s loyalty and support ahead of the 2027 elections. He commended the President for giving Buhari a befitting state burial, noting that his presence throughout the rites was both “comforting and reassuring.” Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also lauded Tinubu for his statesmanship and accommodation of diverse political stakeholders. Nigeria has historically depended on crude oil for up to 70 per cent of government earnings and over 90 per cent of foreign exchange inflows. Repeated administrations promised to diversify the economy, but oil remained the dominant revenue source. The federal government approved a record N54.99 trillion budget, of which only N41 trillion was expected to come in as revenue, leaving a N13 trillion deficit to be filled largely through loans. Punch

(PHOTOS)AI Revolution Takes Centre Stage As Medical Experts Convene In Ibadan For NAPGHAN 2025 Scientific Conference

July 30, 2025 by admin

The 11th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NAPGHAN) kicked off in Ibadan, Oyo State, drawing experts from across Nigeria and beyond to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on child health. The keynote speaker, Professor James Renner, Professor of Paediatrics at Babcock University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, delivered a powerful and inspiring message that set the tone for the conference. Speaking on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in child health, he said, “When we speak of a revolution in medicine, we don’t mean smoke-filled streets or manifestos. This is a revolution made not by crowds, but by code. Quiet, yet powerful. Not loud, but lasting. Not chaotic, but creative. And it is only just beginning.” Professor Renner outlined the evolving role of AI in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, stressing that AI is not just a tool but a fundamental shift in how healthcare is approached, delivered, and experienced. He detailed how AI is already improving diagnostic accuracy, personalising nutrition through genomics and microbiome analysis, and enhancing remote monitoring through mobile applications for feeding practices and symptom tracking. He stated emphatically: “AI is with us. We cannot shy away from it. But we must use it sensibly, with ethical responsibility and scientific clarity. AI must not mislead us; rather, it must guide us to be better, faster, more precise—without losing our human compassion.” He added that every child deserves access to the benefits of AI, calling on the government and healthcare institutions to embrace the technology in full support of the Nigerian child. “In the last eight months alone, over ten countries have adopted AI-driven systems in paediatric care. We must not be left behind,” he warned. The conference, hosted for the first time in the South-West Zone, was declared open with a warm welcome from the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Joyce Akinseinde, who described it as a landmark event and a personal honour. She welcomed dignitaries including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi (represented); Chief Host and CMD of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo (represented by Professor Olubukola Adesina); and the host, Prof. Biobele Brown, among other academic and clinical leaders. She called on participants to actively engage with the theme and use the sessions to spark new insights and collaborations. In his presidential address, Professor Felix Olukayode Akinbami, President of NAPGHAN, echoed the urgency of embracing AI, describing it as a “transformative force” with the potential to redefine medical practice. “Artificial Intelligence can enhance diagnostics, personalise treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. But we must also ask, can it replace the nuances of human judgement, empathy, and experience?” he queried, urging delegates to critically explore these questions during the conference. Prof. Akinbami also announced plans to propose the creation of a national registry for congenital alimentary tract malformations in children, citing the need for real-time data to inform policy and care. He expressed appreciation to Prof. Otegbayo for hosting the conference free of charge and for approving the acquisition of a paediatric endoscope for the newly accredited unit in the Department of Paediatrics at UCH—a major win for child health services in Nigeria. Representing Prof. Otegbayo, Prof. Olubukola Adesina, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, noted that UCH remains committed to promoting innovation and advancing research in paediatric healthcare. “AI must be an enabler, not a barrier,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for data security, ethical compliance, and capacity building among healthcare workers. Co-chairperson of the LOC, Dr. Virginia Guvoeke, underscored the relevance of the theme, describing the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the association’s commitment to gastrointestinal health for Nigerian children. “AI has come to stay. It is changing how we manage our patients, and we are optimistic that with government support, we can do more,” she said in an interview. Also speaking at the event, Professor Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun, logistics chairperson and advisor, encouraged participants to fully engage with the presentations and translate the knowledge gained into practical clinical impact. “The world is tending towards AI, and so is medicine. We must not be left behind,” she stressed. Among other distinguished attendees were Dr. Akinfemi Akinyode, Permanent Secretary, Oke Ogun Health Zone 1 (representing the Oyo State Health Commissioner); Dr. Tomi Coker, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, represented by Dr. Ogunsilu Esther, Director of Primary Health Care System Development, Ogun State; and Dr. Wole Oyeyemi, Director of Administration, UCH. The scientific sessions and workshops of the conference will focus on topics such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings, and nutrition therapy. The conference promises not only intellectual enrichment but opportunities for professional networking, collaborations, and long-lasting partnerships in paediatric gastroenterology across Nigeria and beyond. With Professor James Renner’s passionate call to action and the collective commitment of healthcare leaders, NAPGHAN 2025 has set a new pace in aligning child health with global technological advancement. “This is not just a conference,” Prof. Renner concluded. “It’s a beginning. Let us make sure every Nigerian child benefits from this AI revolution.”

2025 AYANGALU FESTIVAL: THOUSANDS GATHER AS OONI DRUMS FOR PEACE, UNITY, REAFFIRMS SPIRITUAL LEGACY OF ILE-IFE …GIFTS DRUMMERS N4.95M

July 25, 2025 by admin

Thousands of culture enthusiasts, scholars, and traditionalists stormed the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Thursday for the 2025 edition of the Ayangalu Drum Festival, as the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, led the celebration with powerful drumming to promote peace, unity, and cultural continuity. The colourful festival, held at the courtyard of the Palace of Ile Oodua, drew an impressive gathering, including professors from the Departments of Linguistics and Music at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from OAU, and contingents from other institutions across the South-West region. In a show of support for indigenous creativity, the Ooni gifted a total sum of N4.95 million to winners of the drumming competition and cultural performers. The first-place winner walked away with N1 million, second place received N750,000, and third position got N500,000. The revered monarch also presented N2 million to performers from the Moremi Ensemble, N500,000 to ace drummer Akande Onilu, while two other drummers received N100,000 each. Addressing journalists at the event, the Ooni emphasised the sacredness of the drum in Yoruba cosmology. He said, “We believe the drum holds great significance in our daily lives. In the olden days, drums were used for virtually everything be it good news or times of war, the drum was the medium of communication. “The drum is deeply symbolic to us, the Yoruba people. Ayangalu, the originator of the drum, is venerated among the 201 deities of Ile-Ife and shares a spiritual link with Orunmila. He began his journey in Atiba here in Ile-Ife, and although some of his descendants later migrated to Oyo and Nupe lands, many still reside in Ife. Every year, we honour his legacy through this festival. “To us, Ayangalu is synonymous with the drum. I drum today for peace, for joy, and for abundant blessings. Since childhood, I have found fulfilment in promoting and preserving this sacred tradition.” Also speaking at the event, Olori Ronke Ogunwusi lauded the Ooni for his consistent moral and financial support, not only for the festival but also for cultural renaissance efforts in Ile-Ife and beyond. She praised key stakeholders such as Seamans, university professors, NYSC members, OAU pupils, traditional chiefs, and guests for gracing the occasion. “We have gathered here to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Ayangalu represents excellence in creativity, and I urge every Yoruba person to value their roots and continue learning from one another. As the competition captivates us, let it also remind us to uphold unity and the enduring power of our tradition,” she noted

Tems Wins Best African Music Performance At 2025 Grammy Awards

February 3, 2025 by admin

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has won the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards. She secured the award with her song Love Me JeJe, beating Tomorrow by Yemi Alade, MMS by Asake featuring Wizkid, Sensational by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and Higher by Burna Boy. This marks Tems’ second Grammy win. South Africa’s Tyla won the award for her hit Water in 2024 in the category’s first edition. Tems received three nominations at this year’s Grammys, bringing her career total to eight. She was also nominated for Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild) and Best R&B Song (Burning). The 67th Grammy Awards took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday. Below are the categories featuring Nigerian nominees: Best African Music Performance Asake & Wizkid – MMS Burna Boy – Higher Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay – Sensational Tems – Love Me JeJe – WINNER Yemi Alade – Tomorrow Best Global Music Album Antonio Rey – Historias de un Flamenco Ciro Hurtado – Paisajes Matt B & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Alkebulan II – WINNER Rema – Heis Tems – Born in the Wild Best R&B Song Coco Jones – Here We Go (Uh Oh) Kehlani – After Hours Muni Long – Ruined Me SZA – Saturn – WINNER Tems – Burning Punch

Primate Ayodele Predicts Massive Hunger Revolt Against Tinubu Government In 2025

October 11, 2024 by admin

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has revealed that that there will be more hardship in 2025. He added that there would be an economic blackout, which would cause citizens to revolt against the Nigerian government. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele made it known that the Nigerian government had failed to perform its duties by working towards bringing an end to the current hardship faced by Nigerian citizens. Primate Ayodele noted that Nigerians are suffering but it will bite harder next year unless the government does what is expected of it. He said refineries will not solve Nigeria’s problems because it will be frustrated. ‘’As it is now, we will soon buy rice for N150,000 and beans for more than N200,000. The government hasn’t done what they are supposed to do to bring the price of food commodities down. People are suffering and haven’t enjoyed this government. Instead, it’s still more suffering and agony. ‘’The hardship is coming up and will bite Nigeria hard next year. The government has refused to solve the country’s problems and that’s why the Nigerian economy will fail. Refinery will not create anything and foreign exchange will not improve, it will still increase except something is done but I don’t see this government doing anything.’’ Primate Ayodele noted that economic hardship will be three times harder next year unless the government does the needful. He added: ‘’The price of every commodity, kerosene, gas, diesel, etc will continue to be expensive because there is so much rot in the country. The government ought to take out some people from this administration, but, surprisingly, the president is comfortable despite the gross irresponsibility in the country. ‘’Economic hardship will be times three of what we are experiencing now next year; the government must be careful so that the citizens will not revolt. There will be a kind of economic blackout.’’

Oyo Gov’t Says 2025 Budget Will Reflect Stakeholders’ Submissions

October 10, 2024 by admin

Oyo State government, has concluded the year 2025 Budget Planning Consultative Meetings held across the six geo-political zones of the State. Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, while speaking at the closing ceremony of the sixth zonal stakeholders’ consultative engagement in Ibarapa zone, assured that the submissions of stakeholders at the meetings would reflect in the 2025 budget. The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, said that the government is not relenting in its efforts to make farming more profitable for farmers in the state. Governor Makinde noted that his administration had supported farmers across the 33 local government areas of the state with farm inputs and fertilizer for improved farm yields during the planting season. He called on farmers who are yet to identify with a recognized farmers’ association to do so, promising that more benefits and support await them. On education, the governor emphasized the need for anyone not to play politics of any form with education for the development of the sector. He assured the people of the zone that successful applicants in the ongoing teachers recruitment would be employed in due course, adding that his administration will not compromise standards in the recruitment process. Governor Makinde reiterated the commitment of his administration to security of lives and property, while admonishing the residents of the state to assist the government and security agencies with useful information in relation to security challenges in their localities for security personnel to act accordingly. Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde appreciated the people of the zone for their cooperation and understanding. He admonished them to contribute more to the development of their zone particularly the education and agricultural sectors.

Nigerians May Pay N10million For Hajj As Tinubu Government Ends Subsidy For 2025 Pilgrimage

October 8, 2024 by admin

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government will no longer subsidise hajj payments for pilgrims starting in 2025, marking the end of the long-standing concessionary exchange rate offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This development is expected to drive hajj fares up significantly, potentially reaching N10 million per pilgrim. Previously, the subsidy allowed pilgrims to access U.S. dollars at a reduced rate, easing the financial burden of the pilgrimage. However, with the naira currently valued at N1,650 to a dollar and the standard hajj fare at approximately $6,000, the cost for each pilgrim could rise to N10 million if the exchange rate holds. In a statement released by NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission confirmed that for the 2025 hajj, “There will be no concessionary exchange rate from the government for Hajj fare payment for pilgrims whether under state or private Hajj operators.” While NAHCON has yet to announce the official hajj fare for 2025, several state pilgrim welfare boards have already begun advising intending pilgrims to make initial deposits of N8.5 million in anticipation of the price increase. Meanwhile, NAHCON has also announced a refund of 64,682 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2023 hajj, amounting to 150 Saudi Riyal each. This revelation was made during a virtual meeting between NAHCON and the Private Tour Operators (PTOs), chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi. In further developments, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the number of approved PTOs from 20 to 10, and each company is now required to register a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims to secure hajj visas. The Commissioner of Operations informed PTO members that NAHCON’s Executive Council has approved the option of using a bank guarantee to fulfill the N40 million caution deposit requirement for the 2025 Hajj. Operators who have already made a cash deposit but prefer to use a bank guarantee are invited to request a refund of their earlier cash deposit and submit the bank guarantee instead. He further clarified that contrary to claims that NAHCON owes PTOs N17 billion from the N25 million caution deposit for the 2024 Hajj, the commission only received N2.75 billion from 110 companies that registered for the 2024 Hajj. This amount included a rollover of N1.25 billion from the previous year. Of this, 30 companies requested refunds totaling N750 million, which has already been paid. However, the remaining N750 million is still held by the commission for undecided PTOs.

We’ve Taken Actions To Lessen Burden Of Our People – Makinde•••Unveils Agenda 2040 for Oyo State••Says 32km East Wing Section Of Circular Road Ready In 2025

September 26, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Wednesday that his government had taken several actions to lessen the burden of the residents of the state amid economic challenges facing the people. He added that through these actions and his administration’s engagements with residents of the state, which enable them to have inputs in the state’s budgets, the economic landscape of the state has changed drastically over the last five years. The governor stated this at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting on the 2025 Budget and the unveiling of the Oyo State Agenda 2040, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. He equally unveiled the Agenda 2040 for Oyo State and the Five Years Medium Term Development Plan 2023-2027, which were driven by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with the support of DFID/PERL, DAWN Commission, UNICEF and the University of Ibadan Ventures Limited (Consultancy Service Unit). He maintained that with the agenda, his administration’s strategy is to focus on avenues that can add value and create a conducive environment for creating decent jobs for the people. According to the governor, the state government has had to grapple with the fallouts of the removal of fuel subsidy and the peg on Naira to dollar exchange rate, a development that led to it taking conscious actions to mitigate the hardship facing the people. Makinde, who maintained that the 2024 Budget had been implemented up to 53 per cent, said he was looking forward to 90 per cent implementation by the end of the year. He said: “This is the first in the consultative and town hall meetings that will happen in preparation for the 2025 budget. This is the sixth series we are holding since we assumed office in 2019. “We are not just engaging and talking. When we came in, our budget performance used to be around 35 per cent. But because our stakeholders have taken ownership of this process, we take feedback from what you are telling us while you take ownership of this, and we monitor its implementation, we have raised that bar.” The governor added, “You would agree with me that the economic landscape has changed drastically in the last five years. More recently, we are all still grappling with the fallouts of the partial removal of the fuel subsidy and the peg on Naira to dollar exchange rate. As a subnational operating within this system, we have taken actions to lessen the burden on our people. “So, we have come to you again to request your input into the 2025 budget. I have always said to people that we don’t know it all. When we come to you, we expect to understand your pains and how best to use the budget to alleviate those pains. As I always say, this is your government and we will always act in your best interest. “I am a strong believer in using the available data, coupled with logic and science to solve problems. In addition, I acknowledge that proper documentation plays a key role in strategic problem-solving. And this is why this event also doubles as the unveiling agenda of 2040 and medium-term plan for Oyo State. “We are living in very tough economic times and it’s a time that calls for strong leadership and tough decisions but we must remain sympathetic to the plight of our people. This is why we are always looking for ways and means to make things easier for our people.” The governor informed the gathering that the state government had invested a lot of money on the Ibadan Circular Road named after former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, which is why it was planned that the resources should bring economic benefits to the state by putting in place a corridor for such benefits. He declared that 32kilometres East Wing Section of the project spanning Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to Badeku Village on Ibadan-Ile Ife Road would be ready in 2025 and it would be the first freeway in Nigeria. The governor emphasised that no matter the challenges, the coming year will see his government driving a hard bargain for development. He promised to work with the private sector to drive more inclusive agribusiness programmes and youth training and also continue to support small holder farmers. Governor Makinde added that the support for the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) beneficiaries would soon be ready. Earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Musbau Babatunde, said Oyo State budgets have, over the last five years, turned out well and worked in the interest of the people because of the bottom-up approach to its preparation. He lauded Governor Makinde, noting that the state’s budget performance had been increasing on a yearly basis. The commissioner also hailed the governor over the Agenda 2040, just as he commended the development partners including UNICEF, DAWN Commission as well as individuals who worked to make the document a reality, noting that the state now has an inclusive development plan that partners can key into to work with the state. Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Budget, Public Accounts, Finance and Appropriation, Hon Sunkanmi Babalola, assured residents of the state of the readiness of the House of Assembly to see to the equitable implementation of the budget. Representatives of development partners, community associations, market groups and other stakeholders who spoke at the event lauded the inclusive approach to budgeting, expressing the confidence that the 2025 budget will be people-oriented.