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Oyo School Abduction: Suspected Gunmen Open Talks With Govt, Demand Ransom

May 26, 2026 by admin

Suspected gunmen behind the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly opened communication with the state government and are demanding an undisclosed ransom. The incident has left teacher Michael Oyedokun reportedly beheaded. The continued delay in the release of the victims, has led their families to mount pressure on the federal and state governments, just as the Seyi Makinde administration has vowed to deploy resources to get the victims returned alive. This came as the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee, NWC, led by Kabiru Turaki, yesterday, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture following recent bandit attacks in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Similarly, Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, yesterday disclosed that he is still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to formally commence operations of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, as part of efforts to flush out criminal elements from forests across the South-West. Kidnappers demand ransom Multiple sources told Vanguard that the kidnappers have demanded ransom for the release of their victims. The sources disclosed that indirect negotiations are ongoing, adding that the amount demanded by the abductors was being kept as a top secret. It was further gathered that security agencies have deployed a police helicopter to be on standby in what a source described as “an area of interest”, just as Military jets are said to be making daily sorties over the forests. Efforts to secure the release of kidnap victims are being coordinated by the Oyo State Government, Police, Military and Department of State Service, DSS. Asked whether the kidnappers have mentioned a specific figure, the source said: “The latest on kidnappers is that they have made a demand, but the amount is still being kept under wraps. Indirect negotiations are ongoing.” Another source disclosed that “families of victims are continuing to mount pressure on the Oyo State Government to meet the kidnappers’ demand.” Giving details on efforts by the state government and security agencies, the source said: “Police helicopter is on standby; military jets fly sorties over the forests daily. “Oyo State government, Police, Military, DSS are coordinating efforts to secure the release of the kidnap victims.” Another source, however, assured that the “state government will not spare resources just to get the victims back. “Human lives are more important than money and ego.” Family of beheaded teacher demands body for burial Also, the family of the beheaded school teacher, late Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, yesterday, demanded the recovery of their son’s remains for proper burial. The family, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu through their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said: “We write to formally bring to the attention of President Bola Tinubu the tragic kidnapping, brutal murder and beheading of the late Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, one of the abducted teachers of Community High School, Ohoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026. “Despite widespread national outrage regarding the death of the late Mr Olugbade, his remains are yet to be seen or recovered. In this circumstance, we respectfully appeal for your urgent intervention to direct the relevant security and intelligence agencies towards locating and recovering his body, so that his family may be afforded the solemn opportunity to conduct a dignified burial and rescue other victims still in captivity.” PDP BoT, interim NWC call for security overhaul Following recent bandit attacks in the Oriire council area, Senator Wabara and members of the PDP interim NWC, led by Mr Turaki, yesterday, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. The delegation met behind-closed doors with Governor Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where they discussed the security situation in the state and expressed concern over the incidents. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was to commiserate with the state government and people of Oyo State over the recent attacks. He said: “The leadership of the PDP, including members of the NWC, the Interim National Working Committee, and the Board of Trustees (BoT), came to commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incidents that recently occurred in Oriire Local Government and some parts of Ibadan. “We believe the issue of security is fundamental and must be taken very seriously. We are aware of the efforts the governor has consistently made to ensure the safety of the people of Oyo State and to protect lives and property across the state. “Seeing incidents like these happen despite the enormous resources the governor has committed to security is deeply concerning, especially as the election period approaches.” He also urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the country’s security structure, describing the current arrangement as ineffective. “Our message to the Federal Government is that Nigeria’s security architecture urgently needs to be overhauled. This has become long overdue. “It is contradictory for a governor to be referred to as the Chief Security Officer of a state while having no direct control over the security agencies operating within that state. “You cannot imagine a situation where a governor convenes a Security Council meeting, decisions are taken, and yet the Commissioner of Police or military commanders must still seek clearance from Abuja before acting. By the time approvals are obtained, significant damage may already have been done.” We’re ready to dislodge criminals from S-West forests— Igboho On his part, Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, promised to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by Governor Makinde, which regulates the activities of private security organisations operating within the state. Igboho, in a statement, said: “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network and are only waiting for the Federal Government approval, which will be granted soon. “We are absolutely ready … Read more

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

December 8, 2025 by admin

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.

No Teacher Beaten To Death In Oyo – Govt, NUT Clears Air On Fake News

November 11, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE Oyo State Ministry of Education and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, have cleared the air on the alleged beating of a teacher to death in Ogbomoso by students, describing the viral news story as fake and a complete misrepresentation of facts. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola; Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Raji Oladimeji and the Principal of Soun High School, Ogbomoso, Mr Ajayi Adeyinka, who spoke separately on Monday, gave detailed accounts of the incident. The trio noted that the claim that the deceased teacher, Mr Adegoke Fatai Abiodun, was beaten to death by some students is false and unfounded, stating that the incident in which he caught four students gambling within school premises happened on May 28, 2025, while the teacher died on November 4, 2025. The Oyo State Government and the Education family in Oyo State commiserated with the family of the deceased, praying for the repose of his soul, while also warning members of the public to be wary of fake news. Olayiwola, while speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting of the education family in the state, held at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s Conference Room, said the Ministry’s investigations from the school showed that the deceased was not beaten by the students. He said that though it was true that the late Mr Adegoke caught four students gambling in school, he was not beaten by the students, but that he dislocated an arm while trying to beat one of the culprits. He added that the teacher made efforts to treat the dislocated arm through local bone therapist and a private hospital, but it was later discovered that he had bone marrow cancer and that it was already at Stage 4. He warned reporters and residents of the state to be wary of fake news, stating that the public needs to exercise caution with regards to unverified information. He said: “We have gone into the roots of the matter and found out that the information is false. We asked the principal to report to the Ministry and he is sitting down here. “The fact of the matter is that the late Mr Adegoke Fatai had been sick. But the actual disease was not diagnosed until recently. The principal of the school told me that he used to go for medical attention since the time he got sick up until the time he died. “We were told that he was admitted into the hospital two weeks ago and that was where he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. “I also spoke with the wife of the deceased, who is incidentally a staff member of TESCOM, and she told me that it was not a matter of some students beating her husband. “What happened was that Mr Adegoke apprehended four students, who were gambling within the school premises. One of the boys was enrolled into the school by the deceased, as he was his friend’s son. Upon seeing someone so close to him among the culprits, we were told that Mr Adegoke lifted his hand to beat the boy, but that boy ducked and the late teacher’s hand landed on the boy’s elbow. This led to the hand swelling and the teacher was given medical attention immediately. “It was while he was treating the hand that it was discovered that the local approach and the attention from a private hospital were inadequate and he was referred to a government hospital, where he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, which had sadly, reached Stage 4. “It is sad that some people are using the sad incident of his death to fabricate lies and peddle rumours that don’t exist. “For you to know how far we went to investigate this incident, we called for the TESCOM chairperson, who is here with us. The Chairman of the NUT in Oyo State, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, is here seated. The Oyo ANCOPPS President is here seated. The Secretary-General of the NUT in Oyo State is here. “We also have the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretaries/Tutors-General and the Inspectors-General of Education from Ogbomoso and other people who have one thing or the other to do with education in Ogbomosoland are here. “As part of my investigations, I have even spoken with the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, who is from Ogbomoso and he told me that he has been there and has seen the situation himself. I spoke with the LG Chairman of Ogbomoso North, and he told me that he was with the wife of the deceased this morning. “We shall be sending a powerful delegation to the wife tomorrow, which would be led by the TESCOM Chairman, to condole with her and the family of the deceased. I was even told that the boy who Mr Adegoke tried to reprimand, which led to his mishap, has been distraught since he passed away.” Speaking earlier, the Principal of Soun High School, Mr Adeyinka, said the incident was wrongly reported, saying that Mr Adegoke, a dedicated teacher, died after he had been down with bone marrow cancer, which was diagnosed late and not because he was beaten by students at the school. “The whole incident happened on May 28, 2025. But he was not beaten by the students. His attempt to beat one of the students made him dislocate an arm and he sought medical help. Along the line, I learnt that he visited a local bone therapist to mend the arm. On an occasion, I went to visit him, and I discovered that the local therapist could not take care of the bone. He was taken to a private hospital (names withheld). “It was at that hospital that it was discovered that his bones were weakened and the doctor called it brittle bones. I went to see him again at that hospital, but I discovered that his condition had not improved. I had … Read more

Oyo Govt Gives Ultimatum To Roadside Traders, Container Owners On Airport Road, Onipepeye

October 14, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has directed roadside traders and those selling in containers along Airport Road, Old Ife Road and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan to relocate their trades. The government gave the traders two weeks to put an end to roadside trading on the axis. The ultimatum expires on Monday, October 27, 2025. The government said having built markets and other closed environments in various parts of the city, it could no longer tolerate trading on roadside or placement of container shops on drainages. It noted that roadside traders are exposed to serious dangers and avoidable environmental hazards, adding that as a responsible government, it has a duty to protect the citizens from all manner of danger. The government also added that trading on walkways could lead to damaging public infrastructure, blocking drainage system and putting the state at the risk of flooding. It said that roadside trading would deprive the state of benefits of its investment in the promotion of tourism, stating that such sights turn off tourists. The government urged all affected people to comply with the directive, stressing that failure to do so would result in the enforcement of extant rules in the state which might lead to not just the confiscation of wares but also the prosecution of offenders. The government called for the cooperation of all and sundry to achieve sustainable development in the state.

OYSADA Extends N-CARES Farm Inputs Distribution To Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun Zones •••As Farmers In Aiyete, Igboora, Iwere-Ile, Others Rejoice Over Govt. Support

August 1, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has extended the ongoing fifth phase of the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) farm inputs distribution to farmers across Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas of Oyo State. The distribution exercise led by the Director General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande aimed at mitigating the economic effects of the hardship ensued from the fuel subsidy removal on smallholder farmers as well as to enhance food production across the state. While addressing the beneficiaries on Friday, the OYSADA DG, Dr Debo Akande reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fairness and transparency. He said, “This process is guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and orderliness. We are committed to ensuring that only genuine farmers benefit from this programme. “Governor Seyi Makinde has made it clear, there is no room for favouritism or political interference in empowering our rural farmers.” Debo said. At Aiyete, the headquarters of Ibarapa North, the intervention brought a wave of relief as ten verified farmer groups, each consisting of ten members, received NPK fertilizer, cassava stems, and herbicides. The Executive Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government, Hon. Lateef Akorede Adebare, was represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, Hon. Oyediran Monsuru, who commended the initiative: “What the government is doing through OYSADA is not just support, it is a statement that rural farmers matter.” One of the beneficiaries, Alabi Saminu, a cassava farmer, said. “We were almost giving up because fertilizer and herbicides are now beyond the reach of poor farmers like us. But today, we received help without stress or middlemen. Governor Makinde has shown that he understands our struggles.” Pastor Olayiwola, Chairman of the Farmers Association in Ibarapa North, also remarked, “This is the first time in years that our people are receiving government support directly. We are not just receiving farm inputs, we are receiving encouragement to keep feeding the state.” At the Ibarapa East distribution centre in Eruwa, verified farmers received NPK fertilizer, improved maize seeds, and herbicides. The Executive Chairman, Hon. Arogundade Owolabi, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Olatunji Kazali. “This initiative is a lifeline to many of our farmers who have been struggling with the rising cost of inputs. The transparency and efficiency of OYSADA’s operations under Dr. Debo Akande are commendable.” Ajayi Olakunle, a maize farmer, described the intervention as timely. He said, “When I heard about this programme, I didn’t believe it would reach us. But here I am today with fertilizer and seeds in my hands. It’s not just support, it’s a show of genuine concern.” Another farmer, Segun Ojebola, added, “For years, we’ve heard about government programmes that never get to the real farmers. But this is different. This support got to us directly, no politics, no middlemen.” Also, at Ibarapa Central in Igboora, the distribution was met with enthusiasm. The LGA Chairman, Hon. Sola Adeleke, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Atilola Oyeyemi. “This is what inclusive governance looks like. These inputs are not handouts, they are investments in the future of food security.” He said. The Chairman of the Farmers’ Association in Ibarapa Central, Adeleke Azeez, added: “We farmers are the backbone of this state’s food supply. But today, Governor Makinde has shown that he sees us. With these inputs, many of our members will return to their farms with renewed hope.” Okegbenle Mofoyofolu, a representative of a women-led cooperative, said: “Many of us are single mothers and widows. This support is nothing short of a miracle. The fact that we were included means someone is truly listening to rural voices.” The distribution train also reached Iwere Ile in Iwajowa Local Government, where over 100 farmers received 50kg SSP fertilizer, soybean herbicide, NoduMax legume inoculant for soybeans, and 10kg soybean seeds each. The event was supervised by the Iwajowa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Oyewunmi Muritala, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adeola Seyi. Among the beneficiaries were Moriamo Yekini and Akintunde Yusuf, who both expressed deep gratitude for the assistance that came at a critical time in the farming season. Moriamo Yekini, a widow and vegetable farmer, said, “I never thought I would benefit from a government programme like this. With these inputs, I can expand my farm and take better care of my children. This is a huge blessing.” Akintunde Yusuf, a young farmer from Iwere Ile, added, “This support proves that farming is not a forgotten profession. With the rising cost of everything, this is the boost I needed to keep going. I’m grateful to OYSADA and Governor Makinde.” In Itesiwaju LGA, the distribution was held at Otu, where it was overseen by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ayangade Peter Ayantayo, who represented the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ojo Monsuru Olayemi. Hon. Ayantayo praised the initiative, saying, “This programme is a direct investment in our people. It shows that government can work for everyone, not just the privileged. We are grateful for this timely intervention.” High-profile beneficiaries in the area included the Oniro of Otu, His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Adepoju, and Chief Julius Ayandele Ayanwunmi. Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders, Oba Adepoju applauded the state government’s grassroots engagement, “For the government to remember us here in the rural communities shows that we are not forgotten. This is the kind of responsive leadership we prayed for.”

Oyo Govt Debunks Claims On Converting Bola Ige Market Carpark To Shop…says upgrade is transparent, collaborative

July 30, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government has debunked allegations that it has replaced the car park at Bola Ige international business complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market with new shops and extorted money from unsuspecting traders, overnight. This misleading report was published by a certain online blog and subsequently circulated on social media. The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon Adeniyi Adebisi, said the claim is entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation of an ongoing, well-planned redevelopment project. He said the Gbagi market redevelopment effort is being spearheaded in phases by the Oyo State Government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, in close partnership with the market leadership and representatives of zonal traders’ associations. Mr. Adebisi said the portion of land being referred to was not an official car park but an underutilized area, prone to illegal vending and security risks. The Commissioner said following broad consultation with stakeholders, it was approved for formal stall development to promote orderliness and improve access and safety within the market environment. “Furthermore, No part of the main designated car park has been taken over or eliminated. The new shops are not situated in the core vehicle parking zone, he said. “Allocations were not made secretly or overnight, but through a transparent and documented process, coordinated by the leadership of the traders and relevant government departments. “Standardized shop allocation fees were communicated in advance to interested traders with options to opt in or out—there is no evidence of “coerced” payments as wrongly alleged. He reiterated that no trader will be unjustly displaced, and the project will be executed in line with the master plan agreed upon with all key market stakeholders. Adebisi urged members of the public, particularly media outlets, to verify facts before spreading reports capable of inciting public unrest or misleading residents. He also encouraged Market leaders and traders to channel concerns or inquiries to the Market Support Desk at the Ministry or reach out directly to the designated liaison officers. According to him, “the general public, particularly our esteemed market stakeholders, are urged to disregard this fabrication, which is clearly being sponsored by opposition elements and detractors determined to politicize every laudable initiative of the present administration.” Furthermore, the Chairman of the Zonal caretaker Leaders’ Bola Ige international business complex, Gbagi Ibadan, Alhaji Adetonan Morufu who featured on a radio station programme in Ibadan on Wednesday, firmly debunked the allegations and clarified the facts behind the redevelopment effort.

Oyo Govt Announces Scheduled Movement Of Oloolu Masquerade In Ibadan

July 29, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government has announced the scheduled movement of Ibadan-based popular Oloolu Masquerade across selected areas in Ibadan, from Monday, July 28 to Thursday, July 31, 2025. In a statement issued and made available to the Media by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, explained that the popular Oloolu, one of the most significant Egungun (Masquerades) in Ibadan, is deeply rooted in the City’s Cultural History. He explained that popular Oloolu is traditionally forbidden to be seen by women, except for women born as triplets,who are believed to receive special blessings from the Masquerade. The Commissioner maintained that unlike other masquerades, Oloolu does not follow a fixed route, as its movement is guided spiritually, adding that some of the notable areas expected to be visited during the procession include Aafin Olubadan, Beere, Oje, Idi Arere, Gate, Agbeni, Orita Merin, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oranyan, Oke Aremo, Agugu, and Ore Meji, among others. The Government appealed to residents of Ibadan, especially women, to remain mindful of the cultural significance of this festival and to cooperate with local authorities and community leaders during the movement of the masquerade. He appreciated the continued support and understanding of the general public as we celebrate this important aspect of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.

Oyo Govt Bans Sunday Trading At Gbagi Market

July 24, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State Government has announced its readiness to enforce ban of Sunday Trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, Ibadan. The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi stated this on Thursday, in his Office at Secretariat Ibadan. The Commissioner explained that the ban will curb rising insecurity and restore order at the market, adding that the enforcement will take effect from Sunday, 27th July 2025. He hinted that the enforcement is a culmination of a series of consultations and meetings held with market leaders and stakeholders over time. Hon. Adebisi explained that criminal elements were increasingly exploiting the less crowded Sunday environment to perpetrate unlawful activities, saying this prompted renewed engagements with the market leadership, after the government decided to formalize the ban and put enforcement measures in place. According to him, the ban on Sunday trading was originally instituted by the market leadership themselves, in a bid to maintain order and protect traders. “However, some traders have continued to flout the directive, leading to a rise in insecurity concerns.” “We cannot fold our arms and allow the hard-earned reputation of this great market to be tarnished by the activities of a few criminally-minded individuals. After a careful review and collaboration with the market leaders, we all agreed that strict enforcement of the Sunday trading ban is a necessary step towards restoring sanity and safeguarding the lives and property of our traders and customers,” he said. To ensure compliance, the Commissioner announced that a dedicated task force will be deployed to the market every Sunday to prevent any form of trading or business activity. He stressed that the enforcement is not a new directive but a government-backed measure to support the market’s existing policy and protect law-abiding traders. The Commissioner stressed further that Market leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the government’s support and pledged their continued cooperation. He emphasized that the safety of traders, customers, and their businesses remains paramount to this government. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility between the government and the trading community. He assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order within the market. “The Bola Ige International Business Complex is one of the largest and busiest textile and general merchandise markets in the Southwest region”, he said. “Traders and members of the public are urged to take note of the government’s enforcement action and ensure full compliance, as violators will be sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.

Oyo Govt Approves Homegrown Scheme Of Service For Community Nursing, Midwifery Cadres

July 19, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government has approved a Homegrown Scheme of Service for Community Nursing Superintendent and Midwifery cadres, covering Grade Levels 06 to 14, within the state’s civil/public service. This new scheme is designed to standardize career progression and improve the quality of care provided by these essential healthcare professionals. The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, who affirmed that the approval is a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery and professionalizing the roles of frontline health workers. The approved cadres will be reflected in the 2025 Establishments Estimate of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state civil and public service. This inclusion is aimed at ensuring proper recognition, budgeting, and deployment of personnel under the new structure. According to Prof. Adelabu, the newly approved Homegrown Scheme of Service outlines a structured career path, with clearly defined duties, qualifications, and promotional prospects for officers in the community nursing and midwifery cadres. He said it is designed to promote efficiency, job satisfaction, and long-term retention of trained healthcare professionals in the state. He further stated that the implementation is to commence immediately, with administrative coordination to be handled by relevant government agencies and departments. The government urges all officers within the newly structured cadres to embrace this development as a platform for renewed commitment, professional advancement, and enhanced service to the people of Oyo State.

How Makinde’s Policies Transformed Oyo’s Education Sector – Commissioner•••Says Govt’ll Move Against Phone Use, Malpractices In Secondary Schools

July 11, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, has said that the positive turnaround witnessed by the education sector in the state is as a result of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde visionary and insightful leadership. He noted that the administration has implemented many policies towards transforming the sector, which prior to Governor Makinde’s assumption of office in 2019, had become deplorable, with education quality at its lowest ebb. Olayiwola, who spoke at the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Thursday, said the government’s policies on budgetary allocation, reducing the gap in education infrastructure, reducing the number of out-of-school children and increasing the workforce in the education sector, among others, have had a positive impact on the quality of education in the state. He stated that the direct outcomes of the policy actions include, among other things, the growing improvement in the quality and standard of education, reduction in education infrastructure deficit, increased education enrolment and an overall progress in the all-important sector. The Commissioner maintained that as a result of the efforts of the government, which has demonstrated the political will to improve education, the sector has attracted interventions from development partners and Old Students Associations, which are helping greatly in meeting education needs across the state. Speaking on efforts to further standardise the education sector, Olayiwola said that the state would no longer take the issue of hooliganism lightly across its public schools, saying that the state is collaborating with the police to ensure that peace and order are maintained across schools. He warned parents and wards to be wary of all activities that could reduce the quality of the education sector, noting that the state would now fully enforce the laws against use of mobile phones by public school students and also attack examination malpractices squarely. According to Olayiwola, Governor Makinde’s actions have also had far-reaching effects on the education family, which is the largest Ministry in the state, as it has 12 full departments headed by Level 17 Officers as directors, 22 Permanent Secretaries, comprising 10 Tutors-General manning the 10 educational zones and 10 Inspectors-General manning the 10 educational zones, among others. He added that the Ministry also has seven agencies including SUBEB and TESCOM; 10 tertiary institutions, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Senator Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, three polytechnics in Ibadan, Eruwa and Saki, a School of Agriculture in Igbo-Ora and a School of Health Technology. The Commissioner stated that as a result of Governor Makinde’s commitment to improving education, which led to the recruitment of thousands of teachers in his first and second term of office, the state has additional 15,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, who are manning 646 secondary schools and 2,506 primary schools. Olayiwola noted that the Ministry has also been in charge of overseeing private schools, performing oversight functions over them. He said: “By the time this administration came into being in 2019, the education sector in the state was in a bad shape. The governor had to highlight the problems we met on the ground. “One of the challenges then was that there was a high percentage of out-of-school children. We had a high percentage of out-of-school children, poor performances in WAEC, NECO, GCE, and JAMB and all that. “We also had one and a half university; the Technical University and half of LAUTECH due to the joint ownership with Osun State. “Also, subventions to tertiary institutions were not paid. There was an agreed subvention to be paid to these higher institutions, but it was not paid for years, and so, there were frequent strike actions in our tertiary institutions. “We also had the challenge of inadequate facilities and infrastructure in the basic and secondary schools. “Non-payment of counterpart funding for intervention projects was also another challenge. We lost opportunities of bringing in counterpart funds from outside the country because of non-payment of our own share at that time. This was because when they come with that duty, the state is expected to pay either 10 per cent of the cost of the infrastructure or 20 per cent, but to pay 10 per cent or 20 per cent was a problem to the former administration. “Schools were also understaffed. “But, because of the innovation that Governor Makinde brought into fixing the challenges that faced the education sector and because of his ingenuity, all these challenges have been surmounted. “Upon his assumption of office, children who dropped out of schools rejoined and the major evidence of this is that between 2023 and now, the number of public primary schools has risen from 2,449 to 2,506, while the number of public secondary schools, which was 573 in 2023, has risen to 696, signifying a significant improvement in the number of schools. “Up till now, people are still approaching us for approval for the establishment of more public schools. With the support of a development partner, which provided a counterpart fund, we have reduced the number of out-of-school children drastically.” In the area of reducing the infrastructure deficit in the education sector, the Commissioner maintained that the state government has built additional model schools and classrooms, pointing out how the state recently renovated and equipped 105 public schools, while work is ongoing on another set of schools. He added that the state has also succeeded in improving access for special needs students, orphans and vulnerable children. Another area where Olayiwola noted that the state government succeeded in improving the educator sector was in terms of recruitment. He maintained that the governor’s decision to recruit more teachers through a transparent recruitment process has had a positive effect on education, saying: “The recruitment of teachers has also had a positive result on education in the state. With the 15,000 teachers that we recently employed, we surpassed one of the UNESCO education standards of one teacher to 30 students. By our standard, after employing 15,000 teachers, what we have on ground now is one teacher to … Read more