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Oyo Govt Celebrates PEPVAN’s 10 Years, Assures of Stronger Future Alliance

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Oyo Govt Celebrates PEPVAN’s 10 Years, Assures of Stronger Future Alliance

  Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the state’s event industry, describing the Professional Event Planners and Vendors Association of Nigeria (PEPVAN) as a critical partner in its drive to professionalize the sector. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, at the 10th anniversary celebration of PEPVAN held in Ibadan. The event marked a decade of the association’s growth, collaboration, and contributions to the creative economy. Olatubosun commended PEPVAN for promoting professionalism, innovation, and discipline within the industry, noting that the government intends to deepen collaboration with the association in planning and executing state events. “PEPVAN has demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and discipline. As a key partner, the government will engage them in all state events. Our policies will strengthen the sector and further boost the state’s economy,” he said. The Commissioner highlighted the economic potential of the event industry and underscored the need to curb quackery and unregulated operations. “We recognize the challenges within the industry, including unregistered operators. This is why we are committed to working with credible associations like PEPVAN to set standards, enforce compliance, and support overall growth,” he added. He urged members of the association to uphold ethical standards and maintain excellence in service delivery. “Your success begins with excellence and commitment to your craft. The government will support you, but professionalism must remain your watchword,” he said. According to Olatubosun, the state government is already developing initiatives to support the sector, including training programmes, accreditation support, and full recognition of PEPVAN as a professional body. The Pioneer President of the association, Mr. Mayowa Oloyede said the association’s progress over the last decade demonstrates the need for deeper government engagement. “We want the government to recognize us as an event house and professional body. Most of us live and pay taxes here. We need government patronage and support,” he said. Oloyede recalled the humble beginnings of the association, which he said started with one person who identified the need for an organized platform for event professionals. He noted that despite growth, the industry still battles challenges such as quackery, inadequate manpower, financial constraints, and unfavourable policies. He expressed optimism about the rising profile of Ibadan-based planners. “Ibadan has gained serious momentum. Many of us are well-travelled and exposed, and event planners in Oyo can now compete with anyone globally,” he said. While speaking about the journey of the association so far, the National President of the association, Comrade Adetunji Adekunke popularly known as (Wonders) described the association’s 10-year journey as one defined by resilience, excellence, and unity. Adetunji said, “We have over 500 members nationwide today. In the Southwest, no association can compete with us.” Adekunle said PEPVAN’s collective strength has boosted members’ brands, even contributing to the industry’s recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. On the issue of quackery, he stressed the importance of regular training and inclusivity within the profession. “Event planning is not for women alone. Men are doing well too. Passion, willingness to learn, emotional intelligence, and strong character are essential in this industry,” he said. With government support and the association’s renewed commitment to standards, stakeholders at the event maintained that the next decade holds greater promise for the event industry in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. Highlights of the event include award presentations, cultural dancing, networking, among others.

Makinde’s Protocol DG Applauds Outstanding Corps Member Christiana Olaitan, Rewards Her with Cash Gift

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Makinde’s Protocol DG Applauds Outstanding Corps Member Christiana Olaitan, Rewards Her with Cash Gift

  It was a moment of joy and excitement for Miss Christiana Olaitan, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member attached to the Protocol Department, Office of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, as she was honoured as the most outstanding corps member at the department upon completing her service year. The Director-General of the Protocol Department, Otunba Samuel Adegboyega, while presenting gifts to the outgoing corps member in his office, described Olaitan as an exemplary youth who demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and notable tech-savvy capabilities that enhanced her efficiency on the job. “Christiana Olaitan is a corps member who was posted to our Protocol Department here at the Governor’s Office. Since she joined us, she has been active, calm, humble, and has contributed meaningfully to every assignment,” he said. “She was an outstanding corps member throughout her NYSC programme. She blended well with the team; she is intelligent, organised, and possesses excellent teamwork attributes. She handled documents professionally, and throughout her stay, we never had issues, no document ever went missing. She received letters directly, and even though our office is a very sensitive one, she documented everything properly. Anytime I called on her, she delivered.” Otunba Adegboyega added that the gesture was his personal way of appreciating Olaitan’s service, noting that the entire department would soon celebrate her formally. “We would have loved for her to remain with us, but her service year has ended. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours. Congratulations to her,” he said. Reacting to the recognition, an elated Christiana Olaitan expressed gratitude to the department for the support she received during her service year. “The experience has been very good. I appreciate the staff, and I pray our relationship continues to grow,” she said. “I participated in the Olubadan coronation and several other major state events. The DG Protocol and other officials in this department have been like parents to me; they treated me very well.” Olaitan concluded by expressing hope for greater opportunities ahead as she transitions into the next phase of her career.

Hoodlums Attack Anambra Church, Kill Two

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  Some yet-to-be-ascertained armed assailants have attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe in Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two persons, burning vehicles and the cleric’s apartment. Our correspondent, who visited the church premises on Monday, gathered that the wife of the priest of the church was among the two persons killed, while some parts of the church building were also burnt. The premises and environs appeared deserted, while some properties were seen littering the place. Some eyewitnesses and residents in the area confirmed to PUNCH Online that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, disrupted church activities and sent panic in the area. One of the sources said, “A brutal attack occurred at the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe in Lilu community of Ihiala LGA in the early hours of Sunday. “The heavily armed hoodlums invaded the church as worshippers were getting ready for Sunday activity and started shooting, setting properties on the church premises, including buildings, ablaze. “Unfortunately, they brutally murdered the wife of the church priest and one other person. They also injured many others, razed down the priest’s house to ashes, burnt down some church vehicles and other church properties, including a part of the main church building. He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned in the strongest terms the attack in the morning of December 7, 2025, carried out by armed criminals, which resulted in the death of one person. “Some persons were inflicted with serious injuries, including the church building partially burnt, and other properties destroyed at a church premises in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state. “The CP states that this heinous and abominable act, committed against innocent worshippers, is not only an assault on the community, but a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship. “The command extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the entire Lilu community and assures the public that the Police shall relentlessly hunt down the perpetrators of this crime.

Makinde Orders Immediate Formation Of Livestock Community Committee, Unveils Investment Roadmap Plan

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Makinde Orders Immediate Formation Of Livestock Community Committee, Unveils Investment Roadmap Plan

  Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has ordered the immediate formation of a Livestock Community Committee to identify gaps in the sector and develop a comprehensive investment roadmap aimed at transforming Oyo into a leading livestock hub in West Africa. The directive was issued during a shareholders meeting on Advancing Livestock Productivity and Resilience through the L-PRES Project, a session held as part of the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit 2025, under the broader theme Expanding Oyo State’s Economy Through Agricultural Industrialization. Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde emphasized the vast potential of the state’s livestock sector, noting that Oyo could not only dominate the Nigerian market but also compete globally if properly structured and modernized. “We need structure; that is the foundation of progress,” Makinde stated. “We must stop exporting our wealth unprocessed. Mini dairies, processing facilities, and value-chain optimisation should exist here in Oyo, not outside the state. We can keep the wealth here if we organise ourselves.” The governor highlighted that the state’s livestock industry currently suffers from “mixed signals,” poor execution, and the absence of a unified strategy. “Execution is our challenge. We have people in this room who can develop the roadmap of where we are and where we want to be. I am instructing you today, form a committee now. Identify the gaps and develop an investment roadmap for livestock in Oyo State,” he directed. Governor Makinde further explained that an investment roadmap would provide clarity on value chains, cost implications, required facilities, productivity targets, and the roles of both government and private investors. “This is not about politics. This is about setting up institutions that will continue beyond my administration. We are building systems that no future government can easily abandon,” he said. He also highlighted Oyo’s pioneering role in Africa’s trade environment, noting, “Oyo State is the first sub-national government in Africa to formally launch an implementation strategy for AfCFTA. This means we are positioning ourselves for continental competitiveness.” He recalled Oyo’s historical leadership in cocoa production, emphasizing that starting from the ground up is a deliberate developmental trajectory. Earlier in his address, the state Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Kola Kazeem, noted that the project focuses on promoting sustainable livestock production, improving animal health and welfare, and enhancing the resilience of livestock farmers. “The livestock sector is a critical component of Oyo State’s agricultural economy, providing food, income, and employment opportunities for thousands of people,” Kazeem said. “However, challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered the sector’s growth. The L-PRES Project seeks to address these challenges while fostering industrialization and private sector investment.” Dr. Tunde Adegoke-Amole, Country Representative for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Nigeria office, described the governor’s commitment as unprecedented. He explained that the roadmap would assess value chains, establish production and processing centers, and outline roles for both government and private investors. “We want to make sure the wealth remains in Oyo State and the product, final product is out there. Job creation, environmental safety, and food surplus are key objectives,” he said. Some of the stakeholders at the event that spoke with journalists commended the governor Makinde for his commitment on agribusiness and it’s value chain. In her remarks, Orimoloye Amina of Orion International and Ruminant Technologies Ltd., praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of a zero-waste circular economy and regional export potential. Comrade Segun Abatan, another participant at the event, expressed optimism about the program, stating, “I’m impressed with this program. Seeing the government do something like this is going to go a long way in the livestock industry. Oyo State is endowed with poultry, piggery, and cassava production. We are going places in this development.”

Over 70% Of Tinubu’s Team Once Opposed Him – Presidential Aide

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  The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has revealed that nearly 70 per cent of those currently working with the President had, at one point, opposed him politically. Bwala stated this while responding to concerns that some individuals on the ambassadorial list were undeserving because they had previously criticised or worked against Tinubu. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Bwala recalled a conversation in which Tinubu told him that his mother taught him to embrace even those who once stood against him. He said, “Our posture from the Presidency is to be silent until the National Assembly is able to run through the confirmation process, because we feel that if we throw energy behind that, it will amount to prejudicing the National Assembly, as subjecting them to the process will lead to them being sworn in as ambassadors. “If it is because of the political decision of the President, those who understand politics know that the political environment is toxic. It is up to individuals who occupy political positions to exercise discretion and decide that ‘this one, I would appoint him even though he worked against me in the past,’ or ‘I would not work with those who worked against me in the past.’ “But looking at the history and trajectory of Tinubu, I can say that more than 70 per cent of people with him have worked against him in the past at some point.” He added, “When I first met him on the 10th of January last year, as soon as I walked in, I was trying to apologise because he had been trying to get in touch with me, and I was avoiding him, as I could not tell an elder no, since my mind was made up. Tinubu said, ‘You do not even have to go to that extent because if you had listened to me, what you thought was your fear, you do not have to associate it with me: the Muslim–Muslim ticket.’ “But in terms of people who worked against him, he made it clear to me, narrating individuals who had opposed him in the past, that his mother influenced him in that area. The President said, ‘As the head of the market women, she taught him that if you are going to be angry with people just because they offended you, you will wake up one morning and find that there are no people left for you to lead.’” PUNCH Online had reported that President Tinubu submitted the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after sending an initial batch of three names. The list includes prominent figures such as former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others. In a statement issued last Saturday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said all nominees will know their specific diplomatic postings only after Senate confirmation. He noted that the list also includes four women among the career ambassadors and six women among the non-career ambassadors.

Segelu Counters Ajadi’s ‘Restore Development’ Claim, Says Oyo’s Growth Is on Track Under Makinde

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  Gubernatorial hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has issued a strong but measured response to comments made by fellow aspirant, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during his recent visit to the His Imperial Majesty, Ikú Bàbá Yèyé, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1. Ajadi, while seeking royal blessings for his 2027 governorship ambition, had stated that he was embarking on a mission “to restore development, unity and prosperity to our people.” But Segelu, in a statement on Wednesday, said such a comment does not reflect the true situation in Oyo State, as development under the current PDP administration is not lost, it is thriving. Segelu, who acknowledged Ajadi’s recent entry into the PDP, commended his visit to the Alaafin but emphasized the need for aspirants to communicate with accuracy, fairness and responsibility. “While I commend my brother, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, for his consultation with the Alaafin and for offering himself for service, it is important that we communicate our aspirations with clarity and fairness,” Segelu said. “In Oyo State today, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, development is not something waiting to be restored, it is already happening, visible, measurable and widely acknowledged across all zones of the state.” Segelu highlighted the transformation achieved by the Makinde administration across critical sectors, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, energy, workers’ welfare, industrial growth, and security, insisting these gains cannot be downplayed for political soundbites. According to him, PDP aspirants should project continuity, consolidation and expansion, not narratives that suggest a reversal or decay. “As aspirants on the same PDP platform, our responsibility is to assure the people of Oyo State of continuity and deepening of the remarkable progress already delivered by this administration,” he stated. “We are not restoring development; we are advancing it.” Segelu reaffirmed that his own governorship ambition is rooted in strengthening Makinde’s legacy, not rewriting it. “My vision is to build on Governor Makinde’s achievements, strengthen state institutions, expand youth empowerment, accelerate economic growth, and ensure that every community feels the impact of government,” Segelu said. “This is the message of unity, progress and responsible leadership that our great party, the PDP, stands for as we move towards 2027.” He urged all PDP aspirants to maintain cohesion, discipline and factual communication, noting that the 2027 elections will demand a united party backed by performance, truth and continuity.

Amuda Lauds Makinde For Advancing Community Healthcare In Oyo ••Urges Focus On Rural Health, Empowers Aged Women Through NGO

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  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for Akinyele Constituency 1, for the Oyo State House Of Assembly, Dr. Amuda Hafeez, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his transformative health policies in Oyo State, describing the reforms as a turning point in the delivery of quality healthcare across the state. Dr. Amuda, who holds advanced qualifications from Obafemi Awolowo University, India, and the United States, and a recent postgraduate degree from Lead City University, Ibadan,said Makinde’s initiatives have brought functional healthcare closer to the people, particularly in communities that previously lacked access to basic medical services. Dr. Amuda Hafeez made the remarks on Wednesday during a recent media chat with journalists. Amuda who recently supported aged women in his Constituency with cash gifts through his Non-governmental organization (Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation) noted that Governor Makinde has done exceptionally well in ensuring that primary healthcare centers (PHCs) are functional, staffed, and properly equipped. He said, “Many PHCs now operate at standards comparable to private hospitals. Communities that once struggled to access healthcare can now receive quality services within their neighborhoods.” He also praised Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, for his contributions to the state’s general hospitals. “Through improved administration, better staffing, and reduced drug prices, Dr. Fagbemi has helped raise public confidence in government hospitals. These efforts have encouraged more people to patronize public health facilities, which is a clear mark of progress,” Dr. Amuda added. While highlighting the activities of his own community initiatives, Dr. Amuda maintained that Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation has been supporting the vulnerable in the society by providing free healthcare services, as well giving out timely monetary support to the aged men and women. He said, “We recently concluded a mega outreach that attended to over 800 people, offering general medical check-ups, essential medications, and eyeglasses. This initiative complements government efforts by reaching those who still face barriers to healthcare access.” On the challenge of brain drain in the health sector, Dr. Amuda noted that inadequate welfare and poor working conditions remain major push factors for medical professionals. “Doctors deserve fair salaries, functional work environments, free health insurance, and proper accommodation. Addressing these issues will reduce strikes and help retain talented professionals within the state,” he explained. Dr. Amuda emphasized that if elected to the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2027, he plans to scale up health outreach programs, strengthen rural PHCs, and integrate his foundation’s initiatives with state health policies to ensure equitable access for all residents. “Governor Makinde has set the standard for functional healthcare. Our role is to extend it further to every ward, leaving no community behind,” he said. He concluded by lauding Governor Makinde’s performance, describing him as a “true achiever” in the health sector and giving him a 10/10 rating for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and making quality services accessible to communities across Oyo State.

JUST IN: Troops Rescue Six Kogi Kidnap Victims

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  Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi. This is contained in a statement released by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Lokoja. Abdullahi said that the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in the region. He explained that the operation, involving coordinated air and ground offensives with support from the Nigeria Police helicopter, led to the interception of the victims. According to him, the victims were confirmed to have been abandoned by the bandits due to the sustained pressure from the military. “Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said. The Brigade reassured the public and the people of Kogi that the Army remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state. “Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests, identify hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that bandits had on Sunday attacked a Cherubim and Seraphin church during service in Ejiba Community, kidnapped the pastor and several worshipers. NAN

Reps Decry Breach of Federal Character Principles in Varsities

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  The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has raised concerns over what it described as a growing disregard for federal character principles in staff recruitment and student admissions at several federal universities. The Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, made the disclosure in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Thursday. The statement followed the committee’s recent oversight visits to the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and other federal universities in the South-West. According to Fulata, adherence to federal character must be reflected in staff recruitment and student admissions across public universities, regardless of their geographical location. “We have observed that many universities are not complying with the federal character principles in the appointment and employment of workers, even in the admission of students. “The Act establishing the Federal Character Commission is very clear on this aspect: 2.7 per cent equity share for each state of the federation, 1 per cent for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and 3 per cent for the state where the institution is located. But there is no semblance of this in these universities today,” Fulata noted. He stressed that the oversight exercise was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but was a constitutional obligation designed to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the system. Fulata acknowledged that while universities face numerous unmet needs, available resources must be properly managed. He criticised the spending of huge sums on travel, entertainment, and other non-essential items at the expense of critical academic and infrastructural priorities. He also warned against the suppression of figures, under-reporting of internally generated revenue, misrepresentation of records, and irreconcilable financial entries. Other universities visited by the Committee included the Federal University, Oye Ekiti; the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State; the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State. The federal character principle was introduced in the late 1970s and formally entrenched in the 1999 Constitution (Section 14(3)), alongside the Federal Character Commission Act, to ensure equitable distribution of public sector jobs, fair representation of all states and ethnic groups, and prevention of dominance by any region or group. In the context of education, federal character was intended to broaden access and integrate Nigeria’s diverse population within national institutions. Despite clear guidelines, investigations over the years have shown that some universities admit disproportionately from their host states or regions, sidelining applicants from other parts of the country. Merit lists are sometimes overshadowed by internal policies that favour local candidates beyond the limits allowed by federal character rules. Catchment area policies, although legally recognised, have frequently been applied in ways that distort national spread, contributing to repeated complaints from parents, civil society groups, and lawmakers about lopsided admissions. The same trend has been observed in staff recruitment.  

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