Oyo Govt Moves To Sanction Defaulters, Remove Illegal Billboards

  The Oyo State Government, through the state signage and advertising agency, (OYSAA) will soon embark on an aggressive debt recovery exercise by removing all unauthorized, illegal, and debtor advertising structures in the state. This was made known by the Director General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Hon. Oludolapo Esho Ajanaku in his office recently. Hon. Ajanaku underscored the imminent enforcement exercise, citing that most outdoor advertising practitioners are yet to fulfill their obligations as regards revalidation and debt reconciliation as laid down by the agency. Hon. Ajanaku explained that a series of unauthorised electronics and outdoors announcements are being displayed within the state, urging all duly registered *Third Party practitioners to complete their revalidation latest by July 11, 2025, and have* *their debt reconciliation exercise by July 28, 2025.* He admonished the business owners with signage in the state to complete their registrations with Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency by visiting *OYSAA office at the 3rd Floor of Water Corporation Building Secretariat, Ibadan.* He said, (OYSAA) will not condone any illegal billboard on the streets and would soon embark on aggressive enforcement by clampdown on any advertising practitioners structures who fail to comply with the rules and regulations of the agency.” “It would be recalled that Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, OYSAA, embarked on a revalidation exercise to streamline regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and accountability to improve the efficiency of the agency’s service delivery and create a more business-friendly advertising environment in the Pacesetter State, he said.

Oyo Govt Issues Appointment Letters To 116 Staff of Oyo College of Nursing

…Confirms Substantive Roles of Principal Officers. ..as Set X Donates Furniture for Students The Oyo State Government has approved the issuance of appointment letters to 116 key staff members across various cadres, to address critical academic vacancies at the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan. It also approved substantive positions for four principal officers, including the Registrar, Librarian, Bursar, and the Director Works. The developments were disclosed by the Provost, Oyo State College of Nursing, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi on Thursday during a donation of furniture by the 1976-79 set of the College. The approved cadres, according to the Provost, include Legal Advisers, Senior Lecturers, Sickbay Nurses, GNS Lecturers, Administrative officers. Others are: Higher Executive officers, Higher store officers, Assistant Executive officers, Computer Analysts, Higher Technical Officers, Motor Drivers, Craftsmen, and Clerical officers. Owolabi highlighted Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering support for the College in all ramifications, adding that the furniture will go a long way, as the college has increased in number. She also announced that the college received full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria for key programmes, following the September/October 2024 accreditation. According to her, “the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan is progressing steadily, notably through its development of an online student clearance platform, which eliminates the need for physical presence during clearance processes.” Also speaking on behalf of the set, also known as Set X, Elder Emmanuel Kunle Oladejo applauded the College’s provost on the giant strides recorded. He urged the Provost and other Principal officers to work towards realizing a dream of making the College a degree-awarding institution. Elder Oladejo also urged the students to work hard for excellence and take a cue from others who have excelled in their chosen careers.

Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Complete All Ongoing Projects Before 2027

  The Oyo State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to complete all ongoing infrastructural projects across the state before the end of the current administration in 2027. This assurance was given by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, during an on-the-spot monitoring visit to ongoing projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The monitoring exercise covers two major project sites: the 8.24 km Okudu-Oyada-FRSC Road, located across Atisbo and Saki West Local Government Areas; and the 21.953 km Oloko-Oyo-Orita Aloba Road, in Iseyin Local Government Area. Lawal emphasized that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, is focused on delivering quality infrastructure that will enhance rural connectivity, boost agricultural productivity, and improve the overall standard of living for residents. He said: Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision is clear and deliberate; no project will be abandoned. Every ongoing road construction and rural development initiative will be completed and delivered to the people of Oyo State before the expiration of this administration in 2027, he stated The Deputy Governor, however, commended the progress recorded so far on the RAAMP projects and assured that the government will continue to monitor and support contractors to ensure timely and quality delivery. The Deputy Governor further reaffirmed that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and people-oriented governance, assuring residents that the benefits of current investments will be felt across every zone in the state. Commending the Oyo State Government for its ongoing efforts to enhance food security, the Secretary of the Grievance Redress Committee for the Okudu-Oyada Road, Mr. Abdulraheem Mojid noted that road construction has significantly improved the livelihoods of residents in the Tede/Saki communities and surrounding areas. The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo; and other key stakeholders.

Oyo Govt Begins Upgrade Of 66 PHCs To Boost Healthcare Delivery…Provides Modern Equipment, 10KVA Solar Inverters, Incinerators

  The Oyo State Government has commenced a comprehensive upgrade of 66 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, equipping them with essential medical tools and alternative power sources to ensure improved healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. Speaking during the distribution of equipment at one of the newly upgraded PHCs in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described the revitalization of the PHCs as a crucial milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare at the community level. She said that following the earlier renovation of over 200 PHCs, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has embarked on the second phase of its healthcare revitalization plan, distributing modern medical equipment and installing solar-powered systems to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services. She explained that two facilities in each of the state’s 33 Local Government areas were selected for the current upgrade. She said, “Healthcare is one of the pillars of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration under Omituntun 2.0. The Oyo State Government has been addressing the infrastructure and personnel gaps in the sector.” “Governor Seyi Makinde continues to fulfill his promises by tackling the non-availability of basic medical equipment and personnel in our health facilities”, she added. She highlighted that following the renovation of the health facilities, the government recruited over 3,000 healthcare workers for PHCs, and has now proceeded with the equipment upgrade in phases. In Phase I, 66 PHCs have been selected based on criteria such as patient load, with the two centres in each local government chosen. The upgrades include: Installation of 10 KVA Solar Inverter Systems with hybrid inverters and lithium batteries to provide 24-hour electricity supply; Provision of two computer tablets (for Medical Records Officers and Officers-in-Charge) equipped with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software; Installation of Red-Brick Incinerators for safe medical waste disposal. Dr. Ajetunmobi further announced plans to implement a Drug Revolving Fund to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines at the PHCs. She urged community members to take ownership of the facilities and protect them against vandalism. In his remarks, the Managing Director, First Health Dynamic Synergy International Limited, Professor Temitope Alonge, whose organization executed the upgrades, explained that the selection of PHCs was based on population served. “No more excuses in our primary healthcare centres. The state government has made provision for basic medical equipment for the use of medical personnel at their facilities,” he said. At the Olorisa-Oko PHC in Akinyele Local Government, the council chairman, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for prioritizing healthcare at the grassroots level. He pledged the local government’s continuous support, including providing adequate security for staff, facilities, and equipment. Among the first facilities to benefit from the upgrade is the Odo-Ona Elewe PHC in Oluyole Local Government. The medical equipment provided includes: Standing Mobile and Table-Top Electronic Sphygmomanometers; Pediatric Blood Pressure Cuffs;Glucometers; Haemoglobinometers; Infrared Thermometers; Bucket Autoclaves powered by gas cookers; Autoclave tapes and drums; Colour-coded dustbins and metal dustbin racks; Medical oxygen cylinders with accessories; Nebulizers; Pulse oximeters; Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Kits (HIV/Syphilis RDT, HBSAG RDT); First Aid Boxes for POCT storage; Filling of oxygen and cooking gas cylinders; Adjustable spanners for oxygen cylinders. With these upgrades, the Oyo State Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for all residents of the state.

Oyo Govt. Announces Date For BECE, Entrance Exams

  The Oyo State Government has announced scheduled dates for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and Common Entrance examination across the state. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olayiwola Olusegun in a statement on Saturday, informed the general public, especially parents, guardians and students in Junior Secondary Schools throughout the State, that the Ministry will conduct BECE between Monday 7″ July and Wednesday 16″ July, 2025. He added that the examination will commence by 9.30 am daily at the respective schools of the candidates. Meanwhile, the 2025 Screening/Placement Exercise, also known as Common Entrance Examination into Junior Secondary Schools, will come up on Thursday, 17 July 2025. According to him, the exercise will commence by 7.00 am at the designated screening centers for Screening/Placement Exercise. He enjoined students to go to designated examination centres with their writing materials. The Commissioner therefore directed principals to make proper and adequate arrangements for the monitoring of the examination throughout the period. His words: “Ministry officials and members of the Oyo State Examination Ethics committee will be moving round to monitor the exercise and ensure that the integrity of the examination is not compromised.” “The students and pupils are enjoined in their own interest to avoid all forms of examination malpractices and members of the public are strictly warned against loitering at these schools and designated screening centres”. He stressed that the entrance examination is for the eligible candidates only.

(PHOTOS): Makinde Pledges To Boost Olunloyo’s Library With Digitization•••As Govt Holds Executive Session In Honour Of The Late Ex-gov

  IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, declared that the state government would preserve and digitise the library of a late former governor of the state, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo and make it a tourist attraction centre. Governor Makinde, who described the library as a treasure trove of knowledge capable of offering solutions to numerous challenges facing the country, said preserving the library is one of the ways of immortalising Dr Olunlolyo, who was the second elected governor of the old Oyo State comprising present day Oyo and Osun states. The governor stated this while paying his last respect to the late Dr Olunloyo, at the lying -in-state and executive session organised in his honour by the state government and held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. He added that the state government would also commission the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park at Alakia-Airport Area of Ibadan, which was named after the revered statesman in 2023. Recall that the state government equally named the 3 km Airport Road after the former governor. Makinde eulogised the late former governor for being one of his go-to persons on how to solve the problems of the state. He added that exploring the tourism potential of the library would also align with his administration’s focus on tourism development. He said: “I have lost a partner. Sometimes, he would tell me how some problems were solved before my time in the state. When people look at me and wonder how come Oyo State is so peaceful during my tenure, they don’t know that I go to these leaders and they analyse things for me and leave me to take the best decisions for the state. “We must give honour to whom it is due. This event is important; it is an avenue for us to give a befitting passage to an individual who gave a good part of his life to serve this state and country. “There are two things I need to let this gathering know. One is the fact that the Omololu Olunloyo Park is ready for commissioning and we will open it soon. Two, in most of my discussions with Baba, there was no way we would talk and wouldn’t get to the issue of his library. “So, I am making a public announcement now that the state would support the family to preserve and digitise that library. “It is a library where we can practically find solutions to a whole lot of challenges we are still faced with currently. We must preserve the library and ensure that when people visit Oyo State, the library becomes a tourist centre that we can showcase.” Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, described Dr Olunloyo as a towering intellectual with a strong commitment to public service. He said: “Today is a day of reflection on the life and time of Dr Omololu Olunloyo. Today does not call for grief, sorrow or lamentation. “In reflecting, we must put into perspective his contributions to life, our society and the world at large. “He was a towering intellectual who had a strong commitment to public service. He served our state at the highest level with distinction and rare brilliance. “We believe that he has left enough for us to tap into in order for us to make a good life. We have lost a colossus whose footprint would remain etched on the sands of time.” Speaking on behalf of the Olunloyo family, the first child of the deceased, Mrs Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, described her late father as a politician of a rare genius and an exceptionally brilliant statesman whose contribution to Oyo State was huge. She added that he was a man that gave his children identity, heritage and love. Also in their separate orations, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima and the Acting Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, described Olunloyo as an embodiment of brilliance, with a profound commitment to public service. The event had in attendance the wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; a former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; former Minister of Trades and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, CON, as well as Chairman and Co-Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese. Other government functionaries in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Oyo State Exco Members; service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and family members, among other dignitaries.

(PHOTOS): Oyo Govt’ll End Illegal Mining, Activities Degrading Environment – OSMDA DG•••Calms Igbeti Resident On Rock Weathering Incident

  IBADAN – Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency, Mr Abiodun Oni, has warned that the state government will continue to be stern against illegal miners and individuals putting the lives of residents at risk through different activities that can degrade the environment. Oni stated this recently when the agency inspected the Ibadan Circular Road, where illegal excavation has led to the degradation of the area spanning Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas. He maintained that the inspection followed an earlier visit by the governor, during which he gave an instruction that such activities should be halted in the area, noting that though the warning had been heeded, the state would not relent in ensuring that the environment is protected. He lamented that the state government would have to spend huge resources, which could be channeled to the development of the state, on fixing the environmental damage caused by the unguided excavation activities. According to Oni, the Executive Order on the Security and Protection of Mining Communities is in force in the state and the state government would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring its enforcement despite mining falling under the exclusive legislative list. He said: “About a few weeks ago, the governor had an inspection around here and discovered the kind of illegal mining activities going on here. “We found out the kind of environmental degradation happening here. So, we have come today as a follow-up to the inspection he did. We also had a team from the Ministry and Agency that came here a few days ago as well, which met with the people causing the havoc here. “The team warned those people. So, this is just a follow-up to that visitation. So far, so good, the engagement here is yielding some results, because we have travelled about 8.5 km and we have not seen anybody excavating here. “I think they are yielding to the warning but this is going to be a continuous exercise, because illegal miners don’t give up. We will continue to make sure we come around here, because we want to put a stop to the illegal activity. “If they continue to do this, we have to take action. Though the law of the land as regards mining rests with the Federal Government, we have our own laws that give us the room to act one way or the other. The Executive Order that the governor signed in 2023 takes care of some of those consequential responses and we will put them into action. We have to get hold of these guys and enforce the law. “Though they have done what they have done, they are not going to continue doing it. We will make sure that they don’t continue to do this excavation. Just look at the land. It is going to cost a lot more to be able to reclaim it. “So, we are going to keep spending time to let people inspect this place and make sure this act stops.” In another development, the OSMDA DG and his team equally visited Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the state, where they inspected the site of the recent rock weathering, which initially caused a stir before the government explained the cause of the incident. Speaking in Igbeti, Oni reiterated the state government’s position that there is no cause for alarm, noting, however, that residents should not carry out activities near the rock until they are informed it is safe to do so. He added that the state government has been on top of the situation, as it has been coordinating the local authorities including the local government and the traditional institution on necessary actions. Oni said: “From what we have seen, the rock was subjected to extreme heat and made a weak part of the rock come down. “To the glory of God, we don’t have any casualty and this is one of the reasons why the governor sent us here to calm nerves down. “We have reassured the people of the community that there is no danger but they should steer clear of the rock. This is because there may be a recurrence. “This thing is better attended to by the local authorities that we have advised from the state. I have been in touch with the elected council chairman and the king of the town. We have also advised the people to stay away as much as they can. “As I said, it is still more like an active system and we don’t want anybody to get hurt. So, I want to implore the people of the community and the farmers farming close to the rock to stay away for now.” Also speaking, the vice chairman, Olorunsogo Local Government, who spoke on behalf of the chairman, Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, said the council had taken several actions, including working with the traditional institution to disseminate information to residents on the incident and why they should stay away from the rock. He added that the government is also working on erecting a barricade to prevent people from the axis. Similarly, the Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba (Engr) Bashir Abioye, lauded the Oyo State Government for taking necessary steps to prevent the loss of lives, adding that he had also tasked a team of experts to evaluate the situation. He said: “This incident also occurred last year and the one that just happened was the continuation of what happened last year. The government of Oyo State has taken the necessary steps to make sure that no life is lost. “We have also asked the hunters and farmers that do use the rock to stop going there temporarily. The government has asked a team of experts to come and evaluate the rock and I believe that, with the capacity of the state government, the needful would be done, because we know that the lives of our people are important to them.”

Oyo Govt. Opens Rehabilitated Eleyele-Water Road

  The Oyo State government has opened the rehabilitated Eleyele-Water road in Ibadan, highlighting the state’s drive toward infrastructure renewal and urban development. The road was opened today by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade. Ogunlade, speaking in Ibadan during the opening emphasised the pivotal role of transportation infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in Oyo State. He said the road will ease traffic on the Eleyele- Sango road, saying it will serve as a diversion for those heading towards Ologuneru road. According to the Chairman, the Agency facilitated the repair of deteriorated asphalt sections of the road, stating that the repair work took about a week. “The Eleyele-Water road was completed this year, and today, we are delighted to open it for the use of the people living in this axis. Presently, the Oyo state government is embarking on a massive rehabilitation of roads which encompasses the rehabilitation and upgrading of 4 strategically important roads: Zion plaza-Olusoji; Eleyele-Water; Bashorun Oluwo-nla, and Agbowo roads,” he added. Ogunlade noted that the upgrade on Eleyele-Water road would reduce travel time, minimise flooding, and boost property and business values in the axis. He also called for community involvement in maintaining the roads to ensure their durability. Hon. Busoye Ogunlade commended stakeholders and residents for their support and reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Govt Approves N4bn Cash Transfer For Vulnerable Households

  The Federal Government has approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households in Nigeria. During the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwada announced the interventions to address the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis. This move is expected to support at least 10 million displaced households, primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The cash transfer programme is set to begin in February and continue through April, aiming to alleviate the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast. Additionally, the government has approved N2bn in interest-free loans to farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency. “We are prioritizing women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need,” he said. “The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement,” he added. “Additionally, the government has allocated N2bn to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities. These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities. “Furthermore, a N4bn provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need,” the minister stated. He further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria. The HNRP, he noted, was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions. “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” he added. Highlighting the gender dynamics within these interventions, Yilwada underscored the priority given to female-headed households, who often face greater challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity. “Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones, and this is where we will focus much of our efforts. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” he added. Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen provided an overview of the situation, noting that 7.8 million women, men, and children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. Punch

New Alaafin: Hon Segelu Congratulates New Monarch, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, Govt, Oyo People

  A Germany-based Nigerian entrepreneur, ICT consultant, and politician, Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Oyo people on the pronouncement of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade. Hon Segelu, a frontline aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the gubernatorial seat of Oyo State in 2027, in a statement issued on Monday congratulated Oyo State Government, he also urged Prince Owoade, the newly pronounced Alaafin, to prioritize peace as he assumes his role as the Alaafin of the historic town of Oyo. The PDP Chieftain viewed Owoade’s emergence as “the beginning of a new chapter marked by prosperity, unity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage for the people of Oyo.” He firmly believes that “Prince Owoade will honour the legacy of his predecessors, particularly the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III, who demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his reign.” The ICT expert applauded the steadfastness exhibited by the royal family, kingmakers, and residents of Oyo, both home and abroad, during this significant selection process that spanned nearly three years. Hon Olayinka Segelu also commended the Oyo State Government, led by His Excellency Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, for fostering an environment conducive for this seamless transition into a new royal epoch. He maintained that “Prince Owoade should please assume the role of a father to all and must unite with other contestants for the advancement of the Oyo kingdom. It is essential to foster inclusivity and unity among the Oyomesi, which must prevail under his leadership. “He should strive to embrace a collaborative approach with all kingmakers, free from favoritism or bias, to serve his people as a pillar of hope, justice, and development. His elevation to the throne of his forefathers underscores the resilience of our traditions and our collective pursuit of progress within the Yoruba communities.” The Staff of Office and Certificate of Appointment have been presented to Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Makinde. The presentation was made on Monday at the governor’s office in Ibadan, the state capital. The new Alaafin is said to have headed to Oyo town where the 21 days of traditional rites for his ascension to the throne is expected to commence forthwith.