Makinde Archives - Page 8 of 9

Oyo Assembly Receives Makinde’s Supplementary Budget

October 8, 2024 by admin

The Oyo State House of Assembly has taken the first reading of the Finance Bill, 2024 of the supplementary budget of seven nine billion, seven hundred and thirty million naira (N79,730,000,00:00) only. The bill was read on Tuesday the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin. The House also considered the first reading of Oyo State Supplementary Appropriation Realignment Bill, 2024. The bills were contained in the two letters forwarded to the House by Governor Seyi Makinde. Hon. Ogundoyin said the supplementary and realignment became necessary to address emerging priorities in the context of the current economic challenges and ensure effective implementation of critical key projects across the state. According to him, it will also take cognizance of the payment of the newly approved minimum for the state civil and public service. If the supplementary budget eventually passed, the 2024 budget will now increase from four hundred and thirty-eight billion, four hundred and forty-seven million, eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand, five hundred and forty-eight naira, thirty-nine kobo only (#438,447,878,548.39) to five hundred and seventeen billion, seven hundred and eighty-four million, eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand, five hundred and forty-eight naira, thirty-nine kobo only (#517,784,878,548:39) for both recurrent and capital expenditures Meanwhile, some of the Ministries, Departments and Parastatals (MDAs) featured in the supplementary budget realignment include Fire Service Agency, Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Sustainable Development Goals, and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Others are Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, First Technical University, Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Ministry of Health, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, Water Corporation of Oyo State, the Judiciary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources among others.

Makinde Restates Commitment To Judiciary At 2024/2025 Legal Year Church Service

October 7, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde has reiterated his dedication to the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of a more efficient administration of justice. Governor Makinde reiterated this commitment at a Special Church Service to mark the beginning of the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the Oyo State Judiciary. The Governor who was represented by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin took the first lesson from Zephaniah 2 :1-15 at the Service. Engr. Seyi Makinde reflected on the past year’s achievements and challenges, highlighting significant legal developments, legislative reforms, and judicial decisions that have shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape. A significant milestone in our commitment to the rule of law is the establishment of the Rule of Law Authority, headed by the Honourable Justice A.A. Aderemi (Rtd). This institution will play a pivotal role in overseeing the enforcement of laws, ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness in the administration of justice. “I am pleased to announce that our administration remains steadfast in its support for the justice sector. Our commitment in providing necessary resources and infrastructure underscores our belief in a strong and independent justice system.” “The State Government has recently approved the purchase of 10 vehicles for new Judges, ensuring a full complement of judicial vehicles. Furthermore, there has been a substantial 300% increase in judges’ salaries and allowances, aiming to encourage greater efficiency and timeliness in judgment delivery. To complement the work of judges, the State Government has approved the appointment of 40 State Counsel to the Ministry of Justice. This will enhance the Ministry’s capacity to effectively represent the State in all courts within Oyo State.” “As we embark on this new legal year, let us renew our dedication to the noble profession of law and our commitment to upholding the rule of law. Let us strive for fair and impartial application of the law and ensure that justice is administered without fear or favour.” Governor Makinde urged legal practitioners to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and access to justice. He emphasized the importance of exploring innovative solutions to address challenges and ensure the legal profession remains relevant and responsive to societal needs. The Governor quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stressing the government’s crucial role in creating and maintaining a just and equitable society.

In Oyo, Makinde’s Leadership Trumps Governance | By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

October 7, 2024 by admin

Governance is often confused with leadership but the two are poles apart. Governance is routine and predictable but leadership is innovative and dynamic. Governance is maintaining the status quo but leadership is about extending the frontiers. Governance is a structure that provides a framework for running a system; it identifies roles, establishes orders, stipulates sanctions and postulates the reward system. Governance facilitates the smooth running of a state. So, good governance is about doing the expected; it is about following the procedure; it is about keeping the hands off the till and ensuring the effective management of available resources. But leadership is much more than that. Leadership is about bursting out of routine, it is about challenging the status quo, it is about changing the course of history, it is about shaping and reshaping geography, it is about unleashing the power of a people to have new dreams, new hopes and new expectations. Leadership is bridging the gap between possibilities and realities. It is unlocking a people’s innate abilities to actualise their potential. The defining difference between governance and leadership is the size of the vision behind each; while governance’s focus is the moment, leadership’s vision encompasses both the present and the future. Leadership weighs the impact of every action by its effect on the future. Leadership dreams big. Leadership aims high. Leadership is audacious. Leadership is ambitious. Leadership is intentional. Leadership knocks off the limit. Leadership is neither deterred by difficulties nor dissuaded by impossibilities. Where leadership reigns, impossibility is crushed. refuel in Ibadan, thus providing an alternative to airports in Nigeria and other West African countries. The facility improvement resulted in an increase in the number of airlines operating at the airport as well as the number of flights in and out of the airport. Thus, the tethered giant started showing signs of greatness gradually. Therefore, upgrading the airport to international standard is a natural follow-up to the investment of the state in the airport. In the same vein, having an international airport is a sequel to what Governor Makinde has already put in place in the state; from developing the state’s human capital to creating various opportunities for the citizens, to strengthening small and medium scale businesses, supporting smallholder farmers, connecting all the zones with good roads, creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, investing in the development of agribusiness and positioning the state to take advantage of its tourism sites as well as its cultural heritage. This is because aviation is an enabler of trade, a harbinger of investment, a promoter of agriculture, a facilitator of manufacturing and an ally of tourism. So, aviation is a major driver of development. Experts have opined that upgrading the airport would increase the state’s visibility, accessibility and viability, which could attract investment capital and stimulate growth in various sectors of the economy. They also state that the presence of an international airport in the state would boost tourism-related ventures, real estate development, and other business opportunities. They add that the international airport will lead to the creation of job opportunities and boost regional and international trade in the state. Explaining the rationale behind the upgrade, Makinde, while speaking at the inauguration of the Bimbo Adekanmbi-led committee which was constituted to midwife the airport upgrade, said upgrading the Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standard would support his administration’s drive to expand the economy of the state through agribusiness. He added: “The decision to convert our existing local airport into an international airport was not a hasty one; we are not engaged in a let-me-do-this-because-other-governors-are-doing-it-competition. “This is a well-thought-out decision based on science, logic and data. This vision is already four years old and we laid the groundwork in our first tenure.” He added, “We have preliminary data to support this move and part of the work this committee will be doing is providing us with the definite numbers through a comprehensive passenger data analysis and ensuring that all the groundwork is laid to fulfil requirements for building an international airport as stipulated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).” While speaking on the benefits of having an international airport during the ground-breaking ceremony of the upgrade the other Wednesday, Governor Makinde said, “This airport will connect Oyo State to the global market. It will improve ease of doing business, bringing investments into agribusiness, manufacturing and technology sectors and positioning Ibadan as a true regional business hub.” The governor, who listed MRO and cargo facilities as some of the features the upgraded airport would parade, described the project as a strategic investment that would be delivered on time and within budget. However, while the bulk of the citizenry is having a kick out of the prospect of having an international airport, the first phase of which the Governor promised would be ready within 12 months, some people in the state are kicking against the project. In the estimation of those people, an international airport in Ibadan would not serve the majority of the citizens, so it should not be the priority of the state. For such people, a retreat into history would be quite helpful. When Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as Premier of Western Nigeria, established the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in 1959, there was no market for the services of the station in Ibadan or elsewhere on the continent. As a matter of fact, the number of television sets in the country was less than 20. So, there was resistance to the move as some people felt that the television station should not be the priority of the region. But because Awolowo saw into the future, he went against the grain and set up the television station, which was the first in Africa. Today, tens of millions of people across the African continent earn their living from television. Today, Ibadan is regarded as the home of television in Africa. This is one of the reasons Oyo State is regarded as the pacesetter in the country. In the same … Read more

2024 Teachers’ Day: Makinde Commits To N70,000 Minimum Wage For Teachers

October 5, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has announced that his administration will begin paying the N70,000 minimum wage after resolving the matter of consequential salary adjustments. This was as the governor announced the extension of the N25,000 wage award to workers and N15,000 wage award to pensioners by another three months. The extension, the governor noted, is to cover the period that the negotiation on the consequential adjustment will ast, noting that the payment of the wage award will stop upon the conclusion of negotiations to effectively implement the minimum wage. Governor Makinde made this announcement on Saturday during the 2024 World Teachers’ Day Celebration with the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” held at the NUT (ENDWELL) Model College Sports Complex, Owode Housing Estate, Apata, Ibadan. He said: “On the minimum wage, negotiation will start next week and we will pay the N70,000 minimum wage. But the consequential adjustment is about to be negotiated. The NLC and our team will sit down to discuss it.” Governor Makinde, who lauded teachers in the state for their massive support to him during the last election and their immeasurable contributions to building the state, said his government will continue to prioritise the welfare of teachers and all civil servants in the state so that they would continue to be productive. Noting that education remains one of the major pillars of his government, the governor promised to fix more education infrastructure so that teachers can continue to impart knowledge in a conducive environment in order to guarantee a better future for the state. “I want to say kudos to the teachers. Everywhere I went during the campaign, you mobilised yourselves and supported us wholeheartedly. So, I appreciate you and I say thank you. “We are going through challenges as a country. We have issues of minimum wage and fuel price but I want to appeal to you to say that tough times don’t last but tough people do. We will outlast these challenges we are faced with.” The governor added, “Any country that wants to develop must educate her people. “So, for us in Oyo State, we will continue to specially look after our teachers, because they are dealing with our future. “You teachers, you have to be put where you belong. So, I thank you for your support and dedication to duty. We still have a long way to go. “When we came in, with the UBEC grant and matching fund we used to give them, we were spending about N3 billion every year on infrastructure. So, for the past five years, we have done about N15 billion but it is not enough – just like a drop in the ocean. “The gap we have to fill, when we did the analysis a few years ago, it was around N40 billion but I can tell you now that it will be close to N70 billion. “If we continue to spend N3 billion yearly for the next 15 years, we still won’t cover the gap on ground. So apart from SUBEB, we will have education intervention funds of a minimum of N10 billion every year towards bridging the infrastructural gap in education. “And of course we will employ more teachers and we will put them in a conducive learning environment that would guarantee better outcomes for our students.” The governor, while commissioning a block of 10 classrooms built by the NUT at the NUT Model School, maintained that his administration’s commitment to fixing inner roads remained on course and that it will work on inner roads within the Owode Housing Estate. Earlier in his welcome address, the NUT State Chairman, Comrade Raji Ismail, thanked the governor for his “unprecedented achievements in the education sector and for being mindful of teachers’ welfare through his encouragement of career progression for primary school teachers, regular payment of salaries, promotions, payment of leave bonuses and healthcare insurance, among others.” Also in his goodwill message, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins, assured that the governor will do everything necessary to implement the minimum wage as expected.

Makinde Approves Conversion Of LG Ad-hoc Workers To Permanent Staff

October 2, 2024 by admin

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has given ad-hoc workers across local government areas in Oyo State a major boost by approving their conversion to permanent staff status. This exciting announcement was made during the commissioning ceremony of the local government house and staff training school at Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Governor Makinde directed the Commissioner for Local Government to develop modalities for the conversion within four weeks, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring the welfare of local government workers 1. This move is part of the administration’s efforts to collaborate with local government administrations and deliver democracy dividends to the people. The commissioned building is a significant milestone, being the first modern building for the local government family. Governor Makinde emphasized that this achievement contradicts claims that his administration was destroying local government administration. Instead, it marks the beginning of renovations for structures in the Secretariat. This development is consistent with Governor Makinde’s track record of supporting civil servants. Previously, he approved the promotion of over 7,000 civil and public servants whose promotions were due in 2022. Additionally, his administration has reinstated workers unjustifiably relieved of their duties by the previous administration

64th Independence Anniversary: Makinde Extends Subsidised Transport Scheme By Six Months•••Relaxes Measures For Agric Credit Loans To Small Holder Farmers

October 1, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on residents of the state to keep hope alive as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, noting that his government will continue to take decisions that serve the best interest of the people. Governor Makinde stated this on Tuesday, during his Independence Day Address relayed on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). The governor maintained that as part of decisions to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people, he has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers. According to him, instead of the requirement that allowed only civil servants to guarantee farmers seeking the loan, residents who seek to access the loan can now be guaranteed by community associations, farmers and artisanal associations. He equally declared a six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which has seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun Buses subsidised by more than half, noting that he has also directed that a similar subsidy be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state. These measures, the governor said, were introduced to reaffirm his government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country. He said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience. “Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity. “They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Rest assured, the sun will rise. “As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State. “This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations. “We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme. The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions. “Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends. “We will, as a government, continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations. “I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority. During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration. “So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past. “Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”

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

September 26, 2024 by admin

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

Makinde Reabsorbs, Promotes 1,800 Workers; Compensates State Anthem Composers; Praises Florence Ajimobi

September 25, 2024 by admin

Oyo State Government has reviewed the promotion of 1,629 State workers including Nurses who were adversely affected by administrative error during the 2017-2020 promotion exercise. In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, after the Executive Council Meeting yesterday, government also approved the prayers of the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni,for the reinstatement of 47 civil servants who were wrongfully dismissed from the service during the last administration. Also, 124 workers who were dismissed in 2012 have equally been pardoned. The Commissioner said that 823 workers who were dismissed by the previous administration on the ground of fake certificates submission have their dismissal upheld while 180 who were employed at the twilight of the exit of the last administration in 2019 have their termination approved by the Council. In another development, the Commissioner for Information said that finally ₦25million (Twenty-five million naira) has been approved by the Council as compensation for the Composers of the State Anthem “Asiwaju Ni Wa.” In approving the compensation, the President of Council and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, acknowledged the initiative and foresightedness of the wife of the former Governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi. Additionally, the Composers will be given a parcel of land each, have streets named after them, while the Ministry of Information and Orientation will produce a documentary on the history behind the State anthem. According to the Commissioner, *_Asiwaju Ni Wa_* became the official anthem of the State about a decade ago without any form of compensation for the Composers which made the Council to set up a Committee last year. Prince Oyelade also said that the Council approved the presentation by the Commissioner for Public Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, for road markings, kerbs painting and patching on designated roads in Ibadan metropolis through Direct-Labour Intervention adding that the kerbs will be painted in Oyo State colours. The Executive Council Meeting also approved the following Bills for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly as presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Abiodun Aikomo. They include: 1. The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology Bill, 2024; 2. The Oyo State Flood Management Agency Bill, 2024, and 3. The Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency Bill 2024. According to the Commissioner, these new Bills are expected to have a positive impact on the State’s Healthcare System, Infrastructure, and overall development.

2024 World Clean-Up Day: Makinde calls on residents to follow environmental regulations

September 21, 2024 by admin

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, implored residents of the state to abide by the environmental laws and patronise the waste contractors assigned to their communities instead of disposing waste indiscriminately. The governor stated this at an event held to commemorate the World Cleanup Day tagged “Make Room for Life, ” organised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. At the event held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, equally reiterated that the Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, which was established recently to enforce environmental laws and bring defaulters to justice, has been equipped to perform effectively. Speaking on the theme, the governor implored the people to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and complement government efforts in ensuring safe and clean environment. He added that abuse of the environment through human activities is on the increase with its attendant consequences on the collective well-being of everyone. He, however, maintained that the Governor Makinde-led administration, having realised that making room for life means taking deliberate steps to preserve the ecosystem that support life, has been proactive in tackling issues related to climate change by promoting the use of renewable energy and encouraging tree planting campaigns across the state. In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Commitee on Environment, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, assured of more support and collaboration to enact and enforce environmental laws to make the state more environmentally safe. Delivering their lectures separately at the event, the Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Dr Adamu Garba and former Head of Department, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan, Dr Shade Akinsete lauded Governor Makinde’s policies on environmental protection and cleanliness, which they noted have continued to attract investors and tourists to the state. They both explained that making room for cleaner and safe environment is about the future and sustainability, communication, change of attitude and individuals’ mindsets. Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the event is an opportunity not only to clean up the environment but also to clean up the people’s mindset- replacing indifference with compassion, wastefulness with efficiency, and neglect with stewardship. He added that the theme for the year as declared by the United Nations (UN), “is appropriate at a time the planet experiences challenges of climate change occasioned by reckless burning of fossil fuel, improper waste management techniques, forest degradation and deforestation, among others.” He stressed that the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified efforts to implement strategies and policies that promote effective waste management, recycling, environmental education, and sustainable development, enjoining all to also intensify their efforts to clean, protect and preserve the planet to make it better and habitable. Also speaking, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Abass, expressed appreciation to the government for the laudable exercise, saying continuous effort to clean up and sanitise the state by the government is for the best interest of all residents. He pledged the continuous support of market leaders in the state. The event had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo ably represented by the Director of Maintenance, Mr Solomon Bamigbola; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni); Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Solihu Adelabu and the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, among other stakeholders.

Surulere, Irepo LGAs Chairmen Laud Makinde, As Excited Farmers In Ibarapa, Saki-West, Atisbo, Oriire, Others Receive OYO-Cares Agric Inputs

September 19, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Oyo state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde have been commended for his efforts towards ensuring food sufficiency in the state, just as the Oyo-Cares farm inputs distributions to some selected local government areas in the state continue with seamless process. Governor Makinde was commended by farmers who have received their farm inputs without any hiccups expressed their satisfactions over the exercise and also applaud the Governor for his timely support to the farmers across the state. The exercise according to the State Project Coordinator, Result Area 2 for Nigeria Community Action Resilience and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) is being coordinated by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, (OYSADA). Mr Bamigbola Kolawole is aim at distribution of agricultural inputs and provision of capacity building and extension services to 3,660 beneficiaries in 26 local government areas of Oyo state. Speaking with journalists shortly after the distribution of the farm inputs to farmers in his local government area, the Executive Chiarman of Surulere local government, Iresa Adu, Hon Adegbite Isaiah commended Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his timely support to the farmers in the state. He also called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farm inputs given to them in order to key into Governor Makinde’s vision of food sustainability in the state. Also in his remarks, the Executive Chiarman of Irepo Local Government who received the N-Cares team in his local government Secretariat at Kishi, Hon Tunde Taoheed Olayiwola lauded Governor Makinde for supporting farmers with farm inputs such as NPK fertilizers, Cassava Cuttings, Maize Seeds, herbicides, goats, tomatoes seeds among others. Meanwhile some farmers In Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Saki West, Surulere, Irepo, Atisbo, Ogo Oluwa Local Government Areas of Oyo state and others visited by N-Cares team during the ongoing distribution exercise have lauded the State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde for its commitment towards boosting agriculture to enhance the state economy and ensure food sufficiency for all and sundry. In Ibarapa East Local Government, out of the 100 beneficiaries under Ogooluwa FCA , five groups of 10 farmers each(50) got tomato seeds with 1 liter of herbicides and 50kg bag of NPK fertilizers while the other 50 farmers got 20 bundles of cassava cuttings each with other inputs. The Executive Chairman, Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade who was represented by the Chief of Staff of the council, Hon Olatunji Kasali at the event, lauded the state government support to the farmers, while also calling for further assistance to the farmers with the provision of tractors to enable more farmers engage in mechanized agriculture. In an interview with newsmen, Chairman, Ogooluwa Farmers Association FCA in Ibarapa East, Mr Moshood Adedeji, appreciated both the Federal, state and the local government for the gesture while also requesting for more support in terms of provision of adequate tractors and other farming equipment to enhance agricultural activities in the area and the state at large. He said, “We are asking them for more so we can boost the economy of this country so that we can achieve food security.” He assured that the inputs will be used appropriately, adding that in the next 365 days, its positive impact will be seen. Another beneficiary, Mrs Yetunde Olalere who expressed appreciation for the gesture, said it would go a long way in boosting food production in the area. In Ibarapa Central Local Government, 100 farmers under Iwojowa FCA also received 20 bundles of cassava cuttings each as well as herbicides, NPK fertilizers and maize seeds. The Director of Agriculture, Ibarapa Central Local Government, Mr Bello Abidemi, advised the beneficiaries support the state government’s efforts at ensuring food security by judiciously utilizing the inputs for its intended purposes. Similarly, in Saki West Local Government, three groups of 10 farmers each under Ifesowapo FCA and another 10 groups of 10 farmers under Ifedayo FCA each benefited from the gesture as each went home with 50 kg NPK fertilizer, herbicide and a maize seeds. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon Gbenga Olaleye, at the event held at the OYSADEP Headquarters, Saki, the Council’s Chief of Staff, Hon Oladeji Richard described the agric input support to the farmers as a welcome development which would assist in tackling the challenges of food insecurity and scarcity in the state. In the same vein, beneficiaries of the agric inputs in Atisbo local government, Tede, expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for the support to farmers in the area. At the Local Government Secretariat venue of the distribution exercise to 90 maize farmers and 10 livestock farmers under Agbesowapo FCA, the farmers expressed optimism that the development would translate into increase in food production in 2025. The council boss, Hon Alade Olumuyiwa represented by Hon Rabiu Adekola, the Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture in the local government, said the initiative of the state government will further boost agricultural activities in the area.He urged farmers to cooperate with the state government in its efforts to expand the economy of the state through agriculture Chairman of the Agbesowapo FCA, Deacon John Ogunrinde while also appreciating the state government for the support, solicited for provision of farm implements such as weeders and planters for farmers in the area In Ogo Oluwa Local Government, Ajaawa, Ifesowapo FCA Ajaawa which comprises two livestock farmers groups, two tomatoes farmers groups, and six cassava farmers groups received the total number of 40 she goats, as each livestock farmers went home with 2 goats. Each of the tomatoes farmers received 20 grammes of tomatoes seeds, 50kg bag of NPK fertilizer, and 1 liter of herbicide. While each of the Cassava farmers received 20 bundles of Cassava cuttings, 50 kg of NPK fertilizer, 1 liter of herbicide. In Ogbomoso South LGA, where we have Saanuaje FCA, 8 groups of maize farmers shared 800 kg of maize seeds, 80 bags 50k NPK fertilizer and 80 liters of herbicide, 2 livestock farmers shared 80 goats. While in Surulere LGA, Iresa Adu, … Read more