Makinde Set To Enforce Traffic, Waste Management, Street Trading Laws After 18 Months Of Sensitization

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that the state government is ready to enforce existing laws around traffic, waste management and street trading as contained in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027, Section 6 tagged Rule of Law. The governor, who stated this in his newsletter released on Thursday, noted that after about 18 months of sensitisation, his administration will be taking action against anyone who is found to be running foul to these laws. He explained further that the Rule of Law Authority will be working with existing agencies to enforce the laws, urging the residents of the state for support and cooperation. “It is imperative to let our people know that we will be taking action against anyone who is found to be running foul to these laws, so that our actions are not viewed as something that is sudden. “The Rule of Law Authority will be working with existing agencies to enforce these laws. We ask for your usual support and cooperation as we take these steps that will further support sustainable development in our dear State,” Makinde stated. While saying that his government would be providing a sum of N500m as ‘enterprise support’ for youths trained in Nasarawa under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), he added that the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), which is partnering with his administration, would provide an additional N1 billion. “And now to the questions. I will answer questions from Temiloluwa, who asked for an update on youths trained in Nasarawa under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), and Samuel, who asked about our promise on intra-city rail as contained in our roadmap. “Regarding enterprise support for YEAP beneficiaries, I can confirm that we will be providing this next month. Our administration is providing N500 million for this purpose while First City Monument Bank (FCMB) which is partnering with our administration will provide an additional N1 billion,” he stated.  

Makinde commiserates with aide, Bayo Lawal over wife’s death

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his condolences to his Senior Executive Assistant on General Administration, Chief Bayo Lawal, over the demise of his wife, Justice Beatrice Adesuwa Lawal (rtd). The governor described retired Justice Lawal’s death as a sad loss, urging the husband, children and other family members to take heart. According to the governor, the death of the retired jurist came as a shock. Describing her as a supportive woman, the governor prayed to God to accept the soul of the deceased ex-jurist and grant her husband and other family members the fortitude to bear the loss.

Makinde inaugurates 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers (PHOTOS)

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, promising that his government will continue to give priority attention to the security of residents of the state. He explained that plans are underway to establish airstrips in Igbeti and Otu towns respectively, noting that the state government will also provide aircraft security gadgets to support and enhance security surveillance activities in the state. The governor stated this on Monday at the passing-out parade of the 480 Amotekun Corps Forest Rangers, held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State. Governor Makinde declared that he would approve hardship allowance for all Amotekun corps, reiterating the commitment of his government towards supporting all security outfits in the state and prioritising the welfare of workers, He said: “Since assuming office in 2019, we have continued to invest heavily to secure Oyo State by supporting our security agencies to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. “But we knew that more needed to be done to secure more lives and property. You will agree with me that one of the biggest achievements in security was the creation and operationalisation of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun by governors of the South-West states. “Even though Oyo Amotekun only commenced operation in November 2020, we cannot imagine Oyo State without them. This is how important they have become to our security architecture over these years. “We recognised that there was more to be done to address kidnapping, banditry and other illegal activities in our forests and this is what led to the initiative to establish Forest Rangers as a sub-unit of Amotekun in 25 local government areas, with about 480 recruits out of the 561 passing out today. “These rangers are to work within the forests in their local government areas alongside other stakeholders and other community groups. Their task is to secure our farmers and other people engaged in commercial activities. They are also to preserve our natural resources in our forests in the forest to prevent illegal activities. “These additional Oyo Amotekun recruits passing out today will increase the number of Amotekun to 2,500 corps members. “Let me once again restate our commitment to providing all that is required to ensure that Oyo Amotekun can deliver on their mandate. We will continue to provide the equipment needed and monthly operational grant to ensure smooth operations. “We took out Group Life Insurance for the existing 2,000 operatives and I want to say that we will ensure that the new recruits, who are passing out today, are also brought immediately under the Group Life Insurance. “We will ensure that your new assignments are not hardship postings by supporting you with all that you need to succeed. We also expect that you will remain dedicated to your duties and ensure that you follow all the laid down guidelines and procedures which you received during your training. “The Commandant asked for Hardship Allowance for the forest rangers. We are not only going to provide the allowance for the forest rangers but provide it for all Amotekun Corps. So, bring the proposal to me. It is approved as requested. “We will employ more Amotekun Corps. We will set up an arm of Amotekun that will use aircraft for surveillance activities, drones. We will set up two airstrips; one will be in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area and one in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area. All of these will happen within the next one year. “So, with the Airport in Ibadan, the Airstrip in Igbeti and Otu, before ground troops move in for any clearance operation, we would have got a lot of intelligence and information provided by Amotekun.” Governor Makinde thanked the security commanders, security agencies, Amotekun Corps and all the members of Oyo State Security Council for ensuring that the state is one of the most secure states in Nigeria. The governor also assured the Amotekun Corps of adequate integration and sustainability of their jobs with the government, stressing that the government would put in place adequate and appropriate modalities that would guarantee their jobs after the expiration of his administration. Earlier in his address, the Commandant, Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), said the recruitment of the Amotekun Forest Rangers was to complement the efforts of Governor Makinde. He noted that the rangers would keep the state safe and secure from increasing threats of kidnapping, banditry and illegal mining in the forests with 24 hours of static and mobile patrol, ensuring safety of farmers and protection of natural resources from illegal exploitation. He equally commended the governor for supporting and prioritising the welfare of the officers and provision of adequate equipment and logistics support since the establishment of the agency. The event had in attendance former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), Mr Seye Oyeleye; top government functionaries, service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and religious leaders.  

Makinde Names Township Road, Polytechnic After Ex-SSG, Koleoso•••Pledges To Resuscitate Technical Education

  Amid growing concerns over the dearth of vocational skills among the youth populace and the relegation of technical education, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that his government will refurbish technical colleges and re-launch vocational education in the state. The governor noted that the initiative is aimed at addressing youth unemployment, stating that the Oyo State Government, with the support of the Finnish Government, will undertake the refurbishing of technical colleges in the state. Governor Makinde stated this on Saturday while speaking at the Ajegunle Baptist Church, Saki, at the funeral service for a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Michael Koleoso (OFR), who passed away few weeks ago. The governor, who eulogised the late elder statesman for being selfless and always seeking the development of his community and the state, said the quality of advice he received from Pa Koleoso helped him personally and also in the administration and development of the state. He named the 9.7km Saki Township Road after the late politician, adding that the State Executive Council had also concluded plans to rename The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki after Koleoso. According to the governor, Pa Koleoso never played politics of religion or divisive tendencies, as he always advised him (governor) on several matters of concern to the state, including the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in Ibadan, the state capital. He said: “We thank God for today because we are here to celebrate a life well-lived. There is no doubt we lost one of our finest minds, be it in business, management, governance and even politics. “It is a personal loss to me, because Baba told everybody till he breathed his last that though he had quit politics, he wouldn’t stop supporting Seyi Makinde’s government. So, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with Baba. And I can tell you that Baba never requested for anything for himself or his children. “Before he died, he told me that there was no Permanent Secretary from Oke-Ogun serving in this government but I told him there used to be but they retired. So, he requested that they should be replaced and it was done. “In another instance, he told me we needed to fix Ibadan apart from linking all the zones and I said we would do that. If you go to the state capital today, you can see the works we have done and they are still ongoing. That is the quality of advice I received from Baba. Not only am I am better for it but the state has also benefitted from his wise counsel. “Also, a few days before his passing, I was in Finland and he called me while we were engaging the education officials there. They said they place more emphasis on technical education and not paper qualification. Then, I told Baba that one of the requests he gave me would be worked upon, which was that the Saki Technical College must be refurbished and re-launched. “It will be done with the assistance of the government of Finland, I have signed it already. The Technical College in Ibadan and the one in Saki will be the first to be refurbished and it will happen starting from the 2025 budget.” Governor Makinde equally said his government would complete the Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road in honour of Pa Koleoso, who prevailed on him to see to the project to the end. He added that his government is aware of the fact that the economies of Saki East, Oorelope, Olorunsogo and Irepo Local Governments are intricately tied to Saki, so it would also extend the road from Igboho to Igbeti and Kisi. This was as the governor declared that the State Executive Council had also approved that the spur of the road that connects Agbonle in Saki East Local Government should also be fixed. Earlier in his message, the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, eulogised the uncommon virtues of the late Chief Koleoso, promising to work with the Oyo State Government to immortalise the late political icon, who according to him, contributed immensely to national growth and politics. The president was represented by the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacchaeus Adedeji. The funeral service had in attendance dignitaries including National Assembly members as well as serving and former federal officials. On the entourage of the governor were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife, Ajibola; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hassim Gbolarunmi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Justice M.O Ishola; and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu. Others were co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; commissioners and other top government functionaries.

Transforming Nigeria Doesn’t Require Eternity,Makinde Asserts

  Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has noted that the geometric progression of the Victory International Church, Ibadan has shown that it does not take eternity to turn things around in the country. The governor, who stated this at the 35th anniversary of the church and 6th anniversary of the Dominion University, Ibadan, said political leaders who do not know what to do can learn from religious leaders. He also noted that his government will continue to improve the education sector and support private institutions for the development of the state. The governor stated this on Sunday at the Dominion University, Ibadan, Wonder City, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan. Makinde congratulated the church and its General Overseer, Bishop T.V. Adelakun, on the anniversary of the church and the institution, noting that his administration’s investments in education have been yielding positive results. He called for more support from old students of schools and well-meaning individuals to complement government’s efforts. He said: “I want to congratulate Bishop Adelakun and Victory International Church on this 35th anniversary. Let me also say that the journey is just starting. “Many of you have seen how the church looked at the beginning and it has taken 35 years. When I looked at the picture and the trajectory where this church started from and where it is today, the development, the progress and the expansion of the church have been geometrical. It has not been in a simple proportion. “You have moved from that little place, built the Rehoboth Cathedral in 2000 and now, you are here. What it means to me is that we won’t need eternity to turn this country around, because it didn’t take eternity to grow this church to where it is right now. “It is an inspiring story and journey for us. As political leaders, if we don’t know what to do, let us come and learn from people who understand how to do it. “Yesterday, I was at the Government College Ibadan to commission some projects. We handed over the school to the Old School students and since we handed it over, they have invested about N12bn in that school. So, the government cannot do it alone and that is the gap that is being filled by Dominion University. “Moving forward, we have to invest heavily in education and this is not new. The first free education started here in the Western Region and it was not easy at that time but it changed the trajectory for most of us. “But along the line, Nigeria happened to all of us. Resources came, everybody abandoned what they were doing and we chased after oil money. And when we are talking about development, people will be talking about federal allocation and local government money. How far can that take us? How many people can those resources take out of poverty to prosperity? “But in Oyo State, we are already on that trajectory of taking people to prosperity. However, we have to focus on education and have to support private efforts. “Natural resources won’t take us anywhere. It can be an enabler but developing our people is what will take us to the promised land. So, for us in Oyo State, education and the rule of law are important.” The governor added that his administration has also made massive progress in the area of economic expansion, noting, however, that residents of the state must join hands with the government to fight land-grabbers and individuals who want to ensure that the state remains unplanned. He maintained that the government is also achieving success with the Ibadan Circular Road, noting that the environment will be a first world environment. “If you look at the area of the expansion of our economy, when you look at this location, you would know that the economy of Oyo State is expanding. The city limit of Ibadanland is now defined by the Circular road, which is just about five minutes away from here. “So, when the vision to come here started, maybe you didn’t think you were being integrated into the new limit of Ibadan. That road is 110km. So, it is like folding Ibadan into a circle. The centre of Ibadan used to be Dugbe, but with the Circular Road and Ilu-Tuntun, the centre is now at Moniya. “But we have a battle, which I am urging everyone to come along with us to fight; land-grabbers and people wanting us to stay in the same old and unplanned environment. Look at this environment, it is planned. So, our wider environment would also be planned. “We have a battle with land grabbers who think they will come and replicate what we are used to, developing without a plan. We don’t want an environment that is not planned. We have gas infrastructure coming in here and we want an environment where when you move into your neighborhood, you have gas, water, electricity and sewage provided for. “We have made progress. You are just about eight minutes from the Ring Road and you can drive anytime during the day or night to all those places. That is the Oyo State that we want for ourselves and for our children. There are few things that we know we must do to make this place conducive and we will start some of them almost immediately. “From here, between 500 metres to 1 kilometre from here, there will be a bridge. I have submitted the supplementary budget but I will ensure it gets into the 2025 budget. “All the things we are trying to do can only take place in a safe and secure environment. So, I want to thank the Bishop, who always gives us this location to hold joint security meetings. Anything that will compromise the security of this place like shanties, people of questionable identities, we will get rid of them. But stay with us. If you see something, say something and your government will do something,” the governor said. Earlier in … Read more

Keep Ruling Party In Check In The Interest Of Democracy, Makinde Charges Journalists

  Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde on Thursday charged media practitioners in the country to be alive to their responsibilities as watchdog of the society by keeping watch on the ruling party to prevent it from using its power to stifle democracy by crippling opposition. Governor Makinde gave the charge in his address at the opening ceremony of a 3-day retreat organised by the Press Corps of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters, held at House 11 Hotel, Jericho, Ibadan. “In Oyo State, we have a feedback system that enables the citizens to ask questions on all our activities. The platforms are regularly monitored and concerns are addressed as much as possible. Sometimes we tweak our decisions based on the feedback we get. We have emplaced a system of ensuring transparency in our operations as much as possible. “My administration established the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), which has the mandate to investigate cases of corruption and mismanagement of public funds. ” We also established the Project Monitoring Agency, which is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the state gets value for its money. All of these are targeted at ensuring that as much as it is practicable, we run a transparent administration. Earlier In his welcome address, the Chairman of the PDP Press Corps, Samuel Ogidan noted that the tasks before journalists in the evolving political environment have never been more crucial and challenging than now.” Ogidan described Governor Makinde as a media-friendly governor who understands the role of free and responsible journalism in strengthening democracy, fostering transparency and empowering citizens. According to him, as journalists covering politics, we serve as watchdogs of democracy. Our responsibility is immense, and so are the pressures and obstacles we face. The fast pace of political events, the complexity of governance, and the shifting nature of public opinion demand that we stay sharp, informed, and adaptable. “This retreat provides the much-needed pause from our daily grind, giving us the space to reflect on our craft, sharpen our skills, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of journalism in Nigeria. “We all know that investigative journalism remains a cornerstone of political reporting. It is our responsibility to dig deeper and uncover the truth that is often buried beneath layers of bureaucracy and deception. “However, the resources and time needed for thorough investigations are often scarce. “During this retreat, we will focus on sharpening our skills in investigative reporting, learning new techniques, and how best to utilize available tools. We will delve into methods of fact checking stories, authenticating sources, and data to ensure that we remain the trusted voice our audiences rely on for political analysis and updates. “It is also important to note that social media has revolutionized how news is shared and consumed. While it provides an opportunity for us to reach wider audiences quickly, it also presents new challenges. During this retreat, we will explore how to use social media platforms responsibly to break news, amplify reports, and engage with readers while maintaining professional standards. “Our goal is that each of us leave here better equipped to navigate the challenges of journalism and continue upholding the values of integrity. accuracy, and objectivity in our reports. He urged participants to take advantage of the retreat for frank discussions that will open networking opportunities ahead. “This retreat is for our growth, our reflection, and our empowerment” he said In their goodwill messages, Assistant Director, Publicity of the PDP Press Corp, Richard Ihediwa and Mrs Gloria Thomas of the Voice of Nigeria, both lauded the initiative promising to make best use of the opportunity of the retreat to acquire new skills and develop better capacity for the task ahead.

2024 World Food Day: Makinde Speaks On Moves To Boost Food Security In Oyo

  Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that his government will not relent in its effort to boost food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain in the state. He maintained that the government has taken several steps to promote agriculture and ensure food security in the state, including providing support to thousands of smallholder farmers and farmers’ associations. The governor stated this on Wednesday, October 16, at an event organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Day, held at the Parliament Building, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Governor Makinde, who spoke through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, was quoted by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, to have promised that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrive, thereby increasing food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain. He added that the government would also continue to support research-driven agricultural businesses for the promotion of economic development and growth in the sector. The governor equally called on all stakeholders in the agriculture and food sector to complement the efforts of the government in promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, in order to achieve a better and more sustainable food future in Oyo State. Noting the importance of the fundamental human right to food, the governor pledged more support to farmers across the state, saying that he would ensure that the theme for this year’s World Food Day, “right to food for a better life and better future,” becomes a reality. The governor explained that the theme serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to address issues of food insecurity and malnutrition. He urged all stakeholders in the agribusiness and food production and supply sector to adopt climate-resilient practices and innovative technologies to invest in sustainable agri-food systems. Presenting his paper on the theme for the year, a research professor from the Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor Samuel Olakojo, said that access to food is a necessity for every individual, stressing that its availability in abundance is the main right for survival. He charged the government to form and implement policies against climate change, insecurity, and make friendlier agricultural policies to include road infrastructure, credit facilities, periodic monitoring of farmers and curbing wastage of perishable farm produce. In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central state constituency, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, urged all farmers in the state to intensify efforts in producing quality farm produce for consumers. He maintained that doing so would subdue poverty, hunger and promote healthy diets in the state. Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Christianah Abioye, said the World Food Day presented another opportunity to appreciate Governor Makinde’s support to farmers in the state. She noted that the governor’s support has helped to ensure food sufficiency and also to find sustainable solutions to the problems of food security and poverty. The event had in attendance representatives of farmers’ associations from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, the leadership of the farmers’ association in the state and the Baale Agbe-in-council, among others.

Makinde Approves Recruitment Of Extension Officers, Vet Doctors

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has granted approval for the recruitment of agriculture extension officers and veterinary doctors. The governor, who announced the approval on Tuesday, said the recruitment exercise will cover the 33 local government areas of the state. This was as he also announced the setting up of model farm service centres across the zones and the purchase of motorcycles for Extension Officers for optimal delivery in the agric sector of the state. Governor Makinde made these known while inaugurating the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee at an event held at the House Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, noted that his administration recognises the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, reducing poverty and boosting food production for the general well-being of residents of the state. He added that the governor has empowered farmers through various programmes under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which was aimed at cushioning the effect of subsidy removal on petroleum products He explained that the relief programme, which started in November 2023, has seen the state distribute poultry feeds, fish feeds, piggery feeds, livestock feeds, disinfectants, insecticides, knapsack sprayers, bundles of cassava stems and fertilizers to farmers in addition to the vaccination of cattle against anthrax. He equally noted that the administration had made available the sum of N1 billion as soft agricultural loans to farmers in the state, among other benefits. According to Olasunkanmi, over 1,000 farmers in the state have benefitted from the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, with more than 6,000 acres of land ploughed for farmers, assuring that the tractorisation subsidy will continue in February 2025 to target 16,000 acres of land for the new farming season. Speaking on the resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, the commissioner noted that the aim was to revitalise agricultural productivity in order to ensure food security and improve the livelihood of farmers, as they will have access to high quality and improved seeds, information and technologies for boosting productivity and sustaining food security in the state. The commissioner tasked members of the seed coordinating committee to discharge their duties and see to the boost in food production and agricultural yields. He added that the committee is a body of experts and researchers, who are expected to bring critical information to the notice of farmers in Oyo State, while Extension Officers will take the information down to the farmers in the rural communities. “The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing and with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied and other activities, which can affect agriculture positively. “Also, it aims at producing quality certified seeds, inputs for farmers and increase in farm machines through the participation and collaboration of the private sector. “So, as a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production in improving fatness’s livelihood and promoting security. “You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production. “Your committee has the liberty to co-opt experts from any other agencies of government in the local, state, federal, private, public, SMEs enterprises that have valuable contributions.” In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central State Constituency in Oyo Assembly, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, commended Governor Makinde for his support to farmers. Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adewumi Abbas and the representative of Baale Agbe in Oyo State, Chief Akande Moshood, lauded the governor for his commitment to the progress of farmers through numerous support programmes. Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Christiana Abioye said the committee, which comprises relevant stakeholders in the seed industry, is to plan and determine the state’s seeds requirement annually, encourage timely and effective seed distribution and other inputs to farmers.

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

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

Makinde Inspects Rayfield Gardens City Estate As He Commends Fendini Limited On World-Class Estate

  The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, on Saturday paid an inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate, Alao Akala GRA in Wofun-Montana area of Ibadan. Governor Makinde commended the developer, Messrs Fendini Limited, for their hard work, creative approach and expressed satisfaction that the project is moving fine, noting the estate’s potential for families. He highlighted the State’s rapid growth and the need for more comfortable living spaces for residents and visitors, leveraging on Oyo State’s competitive and comparative advantage in its sustainable economic reforms. The estate will provide more than 300 residential units, a supermarket, hospital, schools, and other amenities, creating hundreds of jobs for entrepreneurs and youth. The CEO of Fendini, Prince Laja Adeoye, who received and conducted the Governor, Commissioner for Lands Housing and Urban Development, Mr Akin-Funmilayo Williams, Director of Physical Planning Mr Akinwale and other top government functionaries round the class A Estate, emphasized the estate’s world-class features, including stunning duplexes, maisonette, flats, apartments, well paved road network and drainages, power installations, solar street lights, water supply, effective security system and more. The project, is being developed through a public-private partnership initiative, aims to set the pace for excellence in Oyo State’s real estate development. The developer noted that people are already living in the Estate, using the opportunity to appreciate their residents and subscribers, calling on the public to take advantage of the ongoing ‘Build and Move in immediately’ offer, for more people to be a home owner in the Estate. According to Adelaja, he said his company is committed to setting the pace for excellence in real estate development, and that is the reason his team are working round the clock to develop and deliver to their subscribers, an estate with solid infrastructures that will be a reference point as far as the State is concerned in the next 12 months. The governor posited that the Estate is strategically located, that when the Ibadan-Iwo Road, Kute-Jenriyin Road, and other ongoing road constructions are finished, it will boost trade, commerce and provide multiple access to the Estate.