Oyo Govt. Rolls Out Safety Guidelines for Advert Practitioners

  The Oyo State Government, in a bid to ensure safety for Out-Of-Home advertising practitioners, has rolled out guidelines for practitioners, spelling out the standard of practice for all in the industry. The safety guidelines process, which was presented by the Director General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Hon. Oludolapo Eso Ajanaku to ensure safety during and after billboards installation process. He underscored the essence of safety and protection of workers, pedestrians, and advertisement structures and outlines critical safety measures for a secure and efficient installation process. In his word, “henceforth, it is unacceptable for any installer of advertisement structure to jettison the safety rules and guidelines processes during and after instalment of such structures for the safety benefits of pedestrians and other road users in the course of erection and maintenance of billboards and other form of signages in the state, … it is now imperative for such offenders of the process to face the hammer of the law through sanctions and to maintain order and sanity during installation of billboards across the state.” The safety guidelines highlights 1. Preliminary Site Assessment Evaluation. 2. Permit and Regulatory Compliance. 3. Personal Safety Measures. 4. Equipment and Machinery Safety. 5. Traffic and Pedestrians Control, and 6. Safety Handling and Transportation Materials, among others, essential safety measures. He said the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency would henceforth monitor and embark on enforcement excercise in line with execution of the safety guidelines process adding that any practitioner found wanting would be subjected to fines and sanctions by the agency. According to him, “Oyo State Signage and Advertisement is after the safety of lives and properties in the advertising industry in the state.”

Oyo Govt To Connect UCH To State Power Grid Amid Energy Crisis

  IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has announced plans to connect the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to its Independent Power Plant (IPP) to mitigate ongoing power supply challenges at the federal health facility. In a statement posted on its official social media handle, the state government acknowledged the hospital’s electricity woes and emphasised that, despite UCH being a federal institution, it intends to offer a medium-term solution through integration with the state’s power infrastructure. UCH, one of Nigeria’s foremost medical institutions, has struggled with erratic power supply in recent months, leading to disruptions in critical healthcare services. Reports from patients and hospital staff indicate that frequent blackouts have affected medical procedures, laboratory operations, and patient care The Oyo State Government’s intervention, though temporary, is expected to provide some relief to the hospital’s management and patients. The Independent Power Plant (IPP), which currently supplies energy to key state facilities, will be extended to UCH as part of the medium-term solution. However, officials have not disclosed a timeline for the implementation. While the federal government remains responsible for the hospital’s overall management and infrastructure, this move signals a growing trend of state governments stepping in to address local energy deficiencies affecting federal institutions. Patients and residents have welcomed the announcement, with many urging swift implementation to prevent further disruptions to medical services.

Oyo Govt. Rescues Poly Ibadan Students, After Inhaling Gaseous Substance

  IBADAN – About 10 Students of the Polytechnic Ibadan are now receiving treatment in government hospitals after they inhaled poisonous gas and collapsed on Tuesday. The Oyo State government swiftly responded to the emergency situation at the tertiary institution after receiving a distress call. Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi led an immediate emergency response. Affected students were promptly evacuated and transferred to Ring Road State Hospital and the University College Hospital (UCH). Eyewitness accounts revealed that the affected students, who were from the Science Laboratory and Technology Department, were seated in their lecture hall after a course test had been conducted. A fight reportedly broke out between two students, and while others attempted to intervene, an unknown choking substance was released into the air, allegedly sprayed by one of the students. This led to several students collapsing, and some went unconscious. Ten students were affected. Following the intervention, the Commissioner personally visited the hospitals to assess the condition of the students, confirming that they had been stabilized and were receiving appropriate medical care. Dr. Ajetunmobi urged the management of The Polytechnic Ibadan to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. She also emphasized the need for the institution to organize sensitization programs for students, discouraging acts of violence and harmful behaviour that could jeopardize public safety. She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all residents of Oyo State and will continue to respond promptly to health-related emergencies. The Rector of Ibadan Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo appreciated the prompt response of the State Government to the emergency situation and pledged to fish out the perpetrators of the act. In her company were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, the Director of Secondary Health Care and Training, Dr. Adekunle Aremu, the Director of Nursing Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Oyebode, the Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, Mrs. Afusat Akande and the members of the Rapid Response Team.  

World NTDs Day: “We’ve Invested N30m on Disease Elimination” – Oyo Govt

  The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with a substantial investment of ₦30 million in disease elimination efforts across the 33 Local Government Areas in the State. Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted the state’s achievements in combating these diseases over the past year. She noted that NTDs which include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for growth and development. She said that among the most notable accomplishments of the State government is the successful implementation of the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) program, a major initiative aimed at eliminating NTDs. Through this program, the government trained 18,000 Community Drug Distributors (CDDs), who demonstrated exceptional dedication by reaching 13,401 communities across 298 wards in the state. According to her, these frontline health workers played crucial roles in delivering essential medications to prevent and treat lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Additionally, the state has strengthened its healthcare workforce by equipping 641 health workers at the Local Government Area (LGA) level with the necessary tools and knowledge to supervise and support community-based efforts, ensuring the program’s effectiveness. To further enhance coordination and implementation, 31 Directors of Environmental Health and Environmental Health Officers were trained to oversee NTD interventions within their respective LGAs. Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized the state’s unwavering resolve to eliminate NTDs, recognizing their detrimental impact on public health, productivity, and overall well-being. “Here in Oyo State, we are acutely aware of the challenges posed by NTDs. These diseases affect the health and productivity of our people, but we remain resolute in our commitment to eliminating them through strategic investments, partnerships, and innovative approaches.” The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare in the state. She acknowledged that the Governor’s approval of the funds for the MAM program last year demonstrates his administration’s dedication to making healthcare a priority. She also extended gratitude to major development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, CBM, Evidence Action, and other stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in advancing Oyo State’s fight against NTDs. Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, underscored the importance of continuous awareness and community-led interventions in combating NTDs. The event was attended by key stakeholders, representatives from collaborating Ministries, and health sector partners, all of whom commended the government’s proactive measures toward ensuring a healthier, NTD-free Oyo State. The day’s activities featured the free distribution of essential medicines and an extensive sensitization campaign across major streets and markets in Ibadan.

Seeds Sector: Oyo Gov’t Harps on Revitalisation

  The Oyo State government has noted that the problems plaguing the agricultural sector has been that of low quality seeds, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalise the seeds sector for rich yields and harvest. This assertion was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the seed sector. Olaleye said quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of farmer’s success. Barr. Olaleye added that if not addressed, low quality seeds will eventually defeat the quest to make agricultural production a major income earners. According to him, the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee and other stakeholders in agricultural sector had their first inaugural meeting to deliberate on how to discover and introduce improved seeds to farmers that would promote agricultural productivities. Recall that the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) was re-inuagurated on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 by the present government under the leadership of Engr seyi Makinde, comprising all stakeholders in agricultural sector and value chain, both public and private in the state saddle with responsibility of diversifying economy towards improving food security, job creation as well as to guide and determine the state’s total seeds requirement amongst others. He hinted that as Seed Coordinating Committee of Oyo State, there is need for every member of the committee to discharge their duties as expected in reshaping future of Seed sector which would enhance agricultural productivities and will in return brings about food security. According to the Commissioner, “quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of our farmers’ success. As custodians of this critical sector, you have played an instrumental role in fostering innovation and ensuring our farmers have access to premium seeds” Barrister Olasunkanmi however commended Engr. Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in agricultural development, saying that the initiatives have significantly enhanced the well-being of our farmers and citizens, particularly through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program launched in 2023. Stressing that the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds which includes; tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okro, tete, and soko varieties along with liquid fertilizer to arable farmers across all the 33 Local Governments Area of the State, exemplifies his commitment. He therefore pledged friendly environment for the committee to perform their duties to obtain desirable results. In her welcome address, the Permanent, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye noted that the gathering represents a significant milestone in this present administration’s strategy to address food security challenges facing our state, stressing that Today’s inaugural meeting comes at a crucial time. According to her, recognizing that seed improvement is fundamental to agricultural development, we must act swiftly to enhance both crop and animal seed quality to boost agricultural production and agribusiness across the state.

Oyo Gov’t To Clamp Down On Street Trading

  The Oyo State government has announced its readiness to clamp down on the traders selling by the road sides and that serious steps were being taken to address street trading and other vices in the state. The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.) stated this while participating in a radio program that highlights the activities, achievements and prospects of the Oyo State Government tagged ‘Oro Oyo’. Justice Aderemi charged citizens to embrace lawfulness, desist from the indecent act of display of wares in walkways and roadsides as this now attracts fines and penalties with immediate enforcement. ‘’We need to maintain a clean environment, orderliness, coordination and sustainability of the infrastructural architecture of the State in order to attract foreign and local investors for the social-economic development of our dear State” she added. Noting that it has become worrisome having to spend many hours in traffic caused by illegal display of wares by the roads thereby impeding traffic flow, coupled with the negative and harmful effects street trading is having on the lives of residents and State’s image at large. In her words, “Road side traders should get ready to face the full weight of the law and instant legal consequences” Speaking further, Justice Aderemi said enforcement team from OYRLEA in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would be deployed to carry out an all-around operation on intense sensitization and awareness drive in major market areas like , Bodija, Sanngo, New Bola Ige, Oje, Gate, Dugbe, Challenge -Orita, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Akobo-General Gas, Bashorun amongst others. Adding that town criers will move round with the team to create maximum awareness before enforcement would then take place. She maintained that it is now illegal to dump refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels and gutters. However, The enforcement of the order is not to cause panic or misconception among the traders conducting business in the affected areas but to ensure compliance, safety and a thriving environment that is law abiding and safe for all’ in her words.

Oyo Govt Distributes N20m Grants To Victims Of Market Fire Outbreaks

  IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has declared that it will continue to support residents of the state to rise above poverty and move into prosperity by catering to their welfare and empowering them to be self-sufficient. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, gave this indication at the weekend, when her Ministry kick-started the distribution of N20 million livelihood support grants for victims of market fire outbreaks. According to the commissioner, the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has continued to match its words with action by giving priority attention to bettering the lives of residents and supporting them to be economically buoyant through different means. Balogun noted that the beneficiaries of the grants, drawn from Gbaremu, Sango, Oke-Itunu and Oranyan markets, where fire outbreaks wreaked havocs on businesses, have benefited from the N20 million grant approved by the governor. She added that the event was just the first phase and that victims of fire outbreaks in other markets would also be reached by the intervention, adding that apart from supporting the victims, the government has also put together training sessions for market women on how to prevent and mitigate fire outbreaks in markets. She said: “Basically, this event is just another dimension of the usual way the Oyo State Government shows concern for the welfare of the residents of the state. “You are all aware that a couple of months back, there was a spate of fire incidents across the length and breadth of the state. We observed through our findings that it was not only the direct victims that were affected economically; that each of the victims has a minimum of 10 to 20 dependents that they are responsible for. “So, this tells us that those incidents had far-reaching economic implications. So, the government of Governor Makinde, being a welfarist government, decided to see how it can support all these victims to bring them back to economic viability. “We want them to resume to their level of self-sufficiency and to enable them to take care of other people depending on them for succour. As a result of this, our governor put aside other things and gave this an expedited approval and gave us a reasonable amount to be given to all the victims of the fire outbreaks. “This is just the first phase of the intervention. “We are not just trying to get them back on their feet but also ensuring that these incidents are prevented. One of the ways we are doing this is that we are putting together training sessions for women in the state on how to mitigate and prevent fire outbreaks in our markets. “This government is keen on empowering citizens to enable them to be self-sufficient and that is what this programme is all about. “In this first tranche, we have been able to disburse N20m to the beneficiaries and it is going to be an ongoing thing. We will ensure that all other people in all other markets that were affected will also be reached out to.” Also speaking, a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, described the Governor Makinde-led administration as a government of the masses. “We are giving these grants to victims of market fire outbreaks to support them to make a living. You can all see that this is a government of the masses. It is always ready to assist our people. “We have to give thanks to God, Governor Seyi Makinde and the commissioner for organising this programme.” Similarly, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Babatunde Tijani, noted that the governor sympathised with the victims and decided to support them because his administration is pro-people. Responding on behalf of the market associations, the Iyaloja of Ibadan North Local Government, Chief (Mrs) Borode Omotayo Bolaji, also commended the government for the timely intervention. She said: “It is a great thing to me, because I was not even expecting up to that amount at all. “Also, it was not only our market that was given money, other markets were also given. We really appreciate what the governor has done for the victims. “The N5m has dropped into the account of the person representing my own market and it will be disbursed any moment from now.” The event had in attendance market leaders and top government functionaries.

Oyo Gov’t Includes Four Roads In Ongoing Rehabilitation Exercise

  The Oyo State Government has commenced a major road rehabilitation project in key areas of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance mobility. The projects cover roads, including Bashorun Oluwo-nla, Agbowo road, Eleyele-Water road, and Zion plaza-Olusoji Road. They are expected to be completed in less than 8 weeks. This is according to a statement signed by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade on Friday, in Ibadan. He said the ongoing rehabilitation is based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads. Ogunlade said the move was in line with the commitment of the Seyi Makinde-led administration to make the state more attractive to both local and foreign investors. “Governor Seyi Makinde has given us the mandate to rehabilitate roads across the State, and we have mobilized our men to these sites,” he said. He noted that to make the exercise have the desired impact on the people, the governor mandated stakeholders to submit critical roads that required immediate attention in their domain. Hon. Ogunlade said rehabilitation works have commenced on some of the roads, while contractors will move to the remaining ones soon. “Work has commenced on some of these roads, as we speak. However, repair on other roads will be commenced soon.” He therefore advised commuters to follow temporary traffic diversions and cooperate with the ongoing construction efforts.

Ibadan Children’s Funfair Stampede: Hon Olayinka Segelu Sympathizes With Bereaved Families, Oyo Govt, Organizers

  The Chairman/CEO of YSEG Hotels and Suites Ibadan and Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has consoled with Oyo State Government, the state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and the affected families of the Ibadan Children Funfair Stampede where children numbered 35 lost their lives. Hon Segelu, a PDP governorship aspirant for the 2027 election in Oyo State, described the incident as a sad and unfortunate one. Segelu in a statement issued on Friday, expressed his deep heartfelt sympathy to Oyo State Government, the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, the organizers of the event; Agidigbo Radio owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, the Women in Need of Guidance and Support(WINGS) owned by a former queen at the Ooni’s Palace; Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, and the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident. Segelu in a copy of the message made available to Daily INDEPENDENT stated that, “I am deeply saddened after hearing about the stampede that occured at a children funfair held at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo State, on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of numerous lives of minors and injuries to many others. “My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and I offer my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. I also wish a speedy recovery to those injured. “May the affected families find strength and comfort during this tragic time. “The unfortunate incident has caused widespread shock, grief, and concern. I commend Oyo State Government for working closely with the relevant authorities in investigating the cause of the incident and for providing support to those affected. “However, for any public gathering (big or small) safety of attendees must be put first in plannings. I urge Oyo State Government and the security agencies to come up with guidelines and conditions that must be met by organisers of similar events in order to forestall future reoccurrences. “Once again, I offer my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims”. Segelu stated.

Proposed NLC Strike: No Strike In Oyo State – Oyo Govt

  The Oyo State Government has assured its citizens that there will be no strike in the State even as the National body called for a nationwide strike from Monday. The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, gave this assurance in a Press Statement from his office on Saturday. According to him, the on-going negotiations between the State Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are at an advanced stage and on the verge of implementation. Besides, the Commissioner said that both parties have unfettered confidence in the sincerity of the negotiations and in the track record of the State Government to fulfil its promises. Prince Oyelade said that Governor Seyi Makinde did not negotiate with the Labour leaders before he announced a generous ₦80,000 minimum wage which will be implemented as soon as the Consequential Adjustment negotiations are concluded. He noted that the present administration has not only been worker-friendly with its prompt payment of salaries and pensions on the 25th of every month but has also expanded the workforce with large-scale record recruitment exercises across board. In the meantime, workers are already looking forward to the prompt payment of the December salaries and the 13th month bonus as it has always been since the Inception of the Seyi Makinde administration.