2025 Budget: Oyo Govt To Hold 6th Consultative Stakeholders’ Engagement

In line with its tradition of engaging residents of Oyo State to seek their inputs in the preparation of the state’s annual budgets, the state government will, on Wednesday, kick-start the sixth consultative engagement with stakeholders across the state with a view to producing a people-oriented 2025 Budget. The annual stakeholders’ engagement will begin at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with subsequent town hall meetings to be held across the seven zones of the state. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, stated this at the weekend, noting that the meeting, which is the sixth in the series of the Town Hall meetings organised by the state since the inception of Governor Makinde’s administration in 2019, was “designed to engage the citizenry in the preparation and implementation of the state’s Annual Budget for the year 2025.” He added that “this year’s engagement is set to redefine the governance initiative of this administration. This programme is designed to align the state with the world best practices in the preparation of annual budgets, which support an all-inclusive and open approach to governance, rather than the top to bottom approach. “The objectives of this approach are; to restructure our processes to establish a solid base for our development aspirations. The restructuring is still ongoing and will extend to all facets of state development and to prevent the state from overdependence on federal allocation by increasing the state IGR and make our budget as realistic and as achievable as possible.” The Professor of Economics added that the stakeholders’ meeting will also strengthen the bond between government and the people of the state by seeking their inputs into 2025 budget. “Apart from ensuring that resource allocations are geared towards impactful projects and programmes implementation that will improve the welfare of the citizenry, this year Town Hall meeting will also seek to build people’s confidence in government. “This engagement will improve the performance of the budget and sustain the developmental objectives of this administration,” Babatunde added.

Oyo Governor, Makinde Launches Upgrade Of Ibadan Airport To International Standards

  By Adeleke Maria   Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to initiate the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Alakia, Ibadan. The project aims to enhance the airport’s facilities to international standards, promising to connect the state to global markets upon its completion. The governor maintained that the upgraded airport would also improve the ease of doing business, bring in investments in agribusiness, manufacturing and technology sectors and position Ibadan as a true regional business hub. Governor Makinde stated this at the airport in Alakia, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the facility to an international airport, noting the project had been awarded to Messrs Craneburg at the cost of N41 billion. He promised to do everything possible to ensure that the project is delivered in the next 12 months. This was as the governor assured residents of the state that the Presumptive Tax Law recently passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly will not be implemented at this time due to the general hardship facing the people, stating that his government will only fight poverty and not poor people. He said: “We took an important decision yesterday at the Executive Council Meeting. We know times are hard and Nigerians are hungry and angry. But I hope this will not boil over. But in Oyo State, we have control over what we can do here. I can see that the House has passed the Presumptive Tax Bill. Yes, it came from us because if we need to expand economy, we need to generate money. I will sign it into law but we will not implement it for now.” He said his administration would only promote policies that would leave money in the pockets of the people of Oyo State so that they could spend same on areas important to them. While stressing that his government would not do anything to deliberately hurt the people, Makinde said the government had paid due compensation to land owners in Ajia, who lost their property to the new Air Force Base being constructed in the area. According to the governor, the decision to upgrade the airport was taken based on data and logic, adding that it is a strategic investment that includes a first and second phase that will culminate into the upgrading of the airport, the runway, airfield lighting, terminal and other critical facilities. He said: “Let me specially thank the members of the committee, who worked on the project in the last six weeks to make it possible for the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place today. “Some people do not think that upgrading this airport at this time is a good idea, but the decision to upgrade this airport to international standard is based on data and logic. In the next twelve months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope”. “This airport will connect Oyo State to a 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 listed MRO and cargo facilities as some of the features the upgraded airport would parade, describing the project as a strategic investment that would be delivered on time and within budget. He added, “This is the first phase; the groundbreaking is the first phase. The second phase is the terminal itself. Once we do the runway and air-field lighting, we will have the terminal and they will be delivered about the same time. We don’t want to wait. After this groundbreaking, the committee will be working to kick-start the process that would ensure that complementary projects within the airport are also going to start. “I want to congratulate Craneburg for winning this bid. They gave us the lowest bid and they are working on the Circular Road, so we know what they are capable of doing. We gave them an impossible deadline on the Alao-Akala Memorial Highway and it was delivered.” The governor also used the opportunity of the event to commend the Deputy Governor, Barr. Lawal for acting as governor when he was away on vacation, while also lauding residents of the state for supporting him. Governor Makinde, who called on residents of Edo State to support the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, Mr Asue Ighodalo, said the candidate would deliver the goods to residents of the state. He equally noted that he and the Osun State governor are solidly behind the Amb. Umar Ilya Damagum-led National Working Committee of the PDP, saying: “I am also glad that our Acting National Chairman and members of his National Working Committee are here. I was reading yesterday that there was another meeting in Bauchi. Let me say clearly that we are 100 per cent in support of the Damagun-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party. “Let me also say this; even if we have issues within ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday. So, we should just rally round and deliver our candidate to give real hope to our people.” Earlier, Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke congratulated Governor Makinde on the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the airport, describing him as a man of vision and a passionate agent of development in Oyo State. He also saluted Makinde’s drive of leaving behind a good legacy of impactful innovation and infrastructure revolution to the people of his state. In his welcome remarks, Air Commodore Victor Ajiboye, who is the Commander National Air Defence Corps, Nigerian Air Force, Ikeja, Lagos and also a member of the Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee, assured that upon the completion of the project, Ibadan would be better positioned as an economic hub in the South-West Nigeria. The representative of the Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola family, Chief Akinwunmi Akintola, thanked Governor Makinde for remembering and honouring the family with the … Read more

Oyo Gov’t Reabsorbs Traders Into New Bola Ige International Market

    The Oyo State Government said it has accommodated former occupants into the redeveloped Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan. Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi made this known while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Monday. He said that the project has been completed, and former occupants have been accommodated in the Government’s share of the project as promised. He said that the Oyo State Government has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of traders by ensuring that they are not displaced during the redevelopment process. According to him, “The Ministry enumerated the present occupants of the project site to accommodate qualified ones among them upon completion of the second phase.” He added that the Ministry had series of engagements with all stakeholders, including market elders, market executives, zonal leaders and the developers handling the second phase of the international market to benefit everyone and as well be on the same page. “However, it is essential to note that no single trader has come forward to the complain about the project or the developer. This suggests that the majority of traders are satisfied with the Government’s initiatives and are eager to benefit from the redevelopment” he said. The Commissioner reiterated that the Oyo State Government has a proven track record of supporting traders and business owners, which include the provision of infrastructure, access to finance, and training programmes. He added that these efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and development of businesses in the state while traders are not left behind in the development process, urging those who are yet to benefit from the Government’s initiatives to come forward and engage with the Ministry. Hon. Adebisi underscored the State Government’s dedication to economic development and traders empowerment through the redevelopment of the Bola Ige International Business Complex. He stressed that these initiatives have been positively received by most traders, while also acknowledging and appreciating government’s efforts.

Resumption: Oyo Gov’t Bans Meetings During School Hours

  The Oyo State Government has banned any form of meeting by Headteachers or teachers, during school hours, within or outside any public school premises. The Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, made this known today while monitoring schools resumption in Ibadan today. Adeniran said the move was to ensure strict adherence to the unified school timetable in all public schools in the State. “This is a warning to all head teachers and teachers to desist from holding meetings during school hours”. “Henceforth, any primary school head teacher who indulges in such act will be severely dealt with,” he said. Dr. Adeniran appealed to unions and associations within the basic education sub-sector to adhere to this policy, as the new session begins. The Chairman also directed the Education Secretaries to disseminate the information to all head teachers in their Local government universal basic education authorities. He also directed school heads to keep to the policy. In another development, Dr. Nureni Adeniran has reiterated the Board’s commitment to leverage technology to ensure advancement in the education system in Oyo State. He stated this today, during a 3-day capacity building on use of BESDA Attendance Monitoring Information System (BAMIS). He encouraged participants to learn from the process, saying “we have brought you together to develop your skills on the use of BAMID APP”. Dr. Adeniran applauded the Universal Basic Education Commission for conceiving the BAMIS APP in the day-to-day official schedules as a strategy to improving performances with respect to input, output punctuality and regularity, monitoring and evaluation of learning activities. He equally acknowledged that the Board has invested a lot of money and time on the programme due to its importance to the delivery of Basic Education, a core mandate of the Board. The event was attended by management staff, social mobilization officers, and basic school head teachers.

OYO-CARES Begins Distributing Farm Inputs to Farmers in Ido, Oyo LGAs; Beneficiaries Receive Goats, Cassava Cuttings, Maize Seeds, and More

  The Oyo Community Action Resilience And Economic Stimulus (OYO- CARES) on Thursday, commenced the fourth phase distribution of agricultural farm inputs to 300 crop and livestock farmers in Ido Local Government Area to further enhance food production in Oyo State. The exercise aims 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 under the Nigeria Community Action Resilience And Economic Stimulus (N-CARES). The inputs distributed are, NPK fertilisers, maize seeds and tomato seeds, one liter of herbicide chemicals goats among others. The State Project Coordinator, Result Area 2 for N- CARES, Mr Bamigblola Kolawole disclosed that the beneficiaries comprises farmers from three Farmers Community Associations( FCA ) which includes beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneur Agro-preneur Programme (YEAP). According to him, the 300 beneficiaries are grouped into 10 farmers each, with 140 livestock farmers, another 140 cassava and maize farmers and 20 tomato farmers. He explained further that while the crop farmers are getting fertilizers, agro-chemicals and seeds, the livestock farmers are getting goats. “This is the major support we are given to them and the essence of this is to assist these farmers to increase food production in the state and this is not the first time we are doing such in Ido Local Government”, he said. Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Adeojo appreciated the state governor Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde for the initiative which he said has greatly supported farmers in the council to enhance agricultural activities in the area. He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs for the intended purpose assuring that the state government will continue to support farmers to boost food production in the state and the county at large. A maize and cassava farmer Ishola Olajumoke and a beneficiary of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Ridwane Akinade appreciated the support to farmers which they said came at the right time assuring that the inputs will be utilized judiciously. Also in Afijio Local Government, Jobele no fewer than 170 beneficiaries comprising Agbedun FCA with seven Cassava group (70 beneficiaries) as each received 15 bundles of Cassava cuttings, 50 kg of NPK fertilizer and 1 liter of herbicide chemical, also in Afijio LGA, Agbesanwa FCA comprises of 7 livestock farmer group (70 beneficiaries) and each of the seventy beneficiaries goes home with two goats, 3 maize groups, (30 beneficiaries) received 10kg bag of maize seeds, 50 kg of fertilizer, and 1 liter of herbicide chemical. In his reactions, the Executive Chairman of Afijio Local Government, Hon Emmanuel Olufemi Aikomo, who was on ground to witness the distribution exercise lauded the Engr Seyi Makinde for the support. He equally urged the beneficiaries to make the inputs given to them in order to get compliments the efforts of the state government on food sufficiency in the state. Similarly, in Oyo West, where we have Agbeparapodola FCA which comprises of five livestock farmers groups, all the 50 beneficiaries in the group received two goats each, while the five Cassava Farmers Group of 50 beneficiaries received 20 bundles of Cassava cuttings. Also in Oyo West we have Agbegbayi FCA and under that group we have three cassava farmers groups, 2 maize groups and 5 livestock farmers groups. The 200 beneficiaries of livestock farmers group under Ifelagba FCA received two goats each making 200 goats in total. In Oyo East Local Government, under Agbeloba FCA which comprises of five Cassava Farmers Groups, five Livestock Farmers Groups received their farm inputs. The beneficiaries in Atiba Local Government under the Agbegbewa FCA where we have seven Maize Farmer’s Groups, three livestock groups received their inputs accordingly, we also have Agbedola FCA that comprises of 10 livestock groups.

Oyo State Government Commits to Advancing Nursing Education

  By Adeleke Maria  Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving nursing education within the state. Speaking through his Deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, during a meeting with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s Accreditation Team on Thursday, Governor Makinde emphasized that education is a core component of his administration’s Sustainable Development Agenda. Governor Makinde highlighted the importance of nursing education, noting its global recognition and the need for a robust training foundation to produce skilled professionals in the health sector. He assured that his government will invest in infrastructure, resources, and personnel to elevate nursing education standards across health-related schools in Oyo State. Additionally, the governor revealed plans to establish a College of Nursing Sciences with multiple campuses to further support the sector. Dr. Farouk Abubarka, Chief Registrar and CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, acknowledged the quality of Nigerian nurses and praised the Governor’s administration for its commitment to enhancing health and education services. He called for ongoing efforts to maintain high standards in nursing education across the country. The event had in attendance the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu; Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Biodun Aikomo, and Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi. Others were the Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Dr Gbonjubola Owolabi and the Provost, College of Health Science and Technology, Dr Oluyemisi Oyewo, among others.

Olayinka Segelu Announces 2027 Oyo Governorship Bid, Vows to Build on Makinde’s Successes

  By Adeleke Maria      Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji (Segelu), the son of the murdered House of Representatives member Chief Akintola Oladimeji (Segelu), has announced his plan to run for governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The young and vibrant Olayinka Segelu revealed his plans during a media parley at his Monatan home in Ibadan on Wednesday. He disclosed that his political career is not a matter of chance but is driven by the legacy of his late father, with the goal of making a significant impact on the community. Hon. Segelu, who said that his mission is to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the present administration in the state under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, appreciated the governor for creating an enabling environment for the youth to play an active role in the political setting of the state. The former Personal Assistant to the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, described the governor as a man of honour whose style of leadership is worthy of emulation, having demonstrated a strong belief in the ability of youth to lead the state come 2027 with the age limit set for his successor. Hon. Olayinka disclosed that the age limit, his commitment to the party, (PDP) coupled with his political experience as an appointee in the National Assembly, as well as his international connections and exposure have positioned him as the most qualified person to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027. The youthful Segelu, who is a graduate of Political Science and International Relations, said that his government will prioritize agriculture, infrastructure, economic advancement, health, social welfare, transportation, and human capacity development, which are all in line with the agenda of the present administration in the state. “My life has been shaped by profound experiences, including the loss of my father—a man who dedicated his life to serving our people. His legacy inspires me to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful impact in our communities. “I may not be the wealthiest or the most experienced candidate, but my youth and determination equip me to tackle the challenges ahead. I am committed to building upon the foundation laid by the current administration under our leader, Engr. Seyi Makinde. “With my educational background in political science and diverse professional experience in sectors like ICT, engineering, and agriculture, I am uniquely positioned to lead Oyo State into a new era of prosperity. “My time as a political appointee in the National Assembly, Abuja has provided me with invaluable insights, fueling my passion for effective governance. “My vision for Oyo State is a mission—to prioritize agriculture, infrastructure, economic advancement, health, social welfare, transportation, and human capacity development. I aim to establish robust institutions that empower our people and foster independence from federal allocations. “Security of life and property and social welfare are very important and will be key parts of my agenda. This is because what they did to my father I will not allow such to happen to other people under my watch. You will notice that when we were facing security challenges in Oyo State and in the entire South West, our governors came together and established Amotekun and this has been helping us in the fight against insecurity. In Oyo State, we will continue on the trend, we will consolidate on the efforts of the government of Engr. Seyi Makinde to ensure that our people continue to enjoy peace in the state. “In terms of economic prosperity, one major area that I will concentrate on is agriculture, which Governor Seyi Makinde has performed wonderfully. One of the achievements is Fasola Farm, we will also consolidate on that to ensure food security in the state.” Ho. Olayinka Segelu called for the support of the youth, women, leaders, members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the media practitioners to support his ambition. “As we embark on this journey together, I want to emphasize the importance of unity, purpose, and transformation for our beloved Oyo State. “Let’s build a narrative of hope, empowerment, and progress together. I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we strive for a better tomorrow for our people,” Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu said.

OYSPHCB Recruitment: About 16,000 Candidates Commence CBT Exam

  By Adeleke Maria  The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB) has begun recruitment exercise with a two-day Computer-Based examination for candidates who applied for various positions. While monitoring the exercise at the University of Ibadan Distant Learning Center, Ajibode, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the ongoing recruitment exercise is significant as it will help to bridge the human resource gap that the primary health sector is facing. The Commissioner explained that 16,000 applicants put in for the exercise,adding that Governor Seyi Makinde approved 30% of the recruitment for the first batch, while subsequent exercises will take care of the remaining batches. According to her, the recruitment exercise will take care of the different categories of workers that are needed at the Primary Health Care Centers such as Community Health Extension Workers, Pharmacy Technicians, Community Health Workers, Medical Officers of Health, among others. “Their recruitment will further promote quality healthcare delivery in Oyo State. In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo State House Committee on Health, Hon. Saminu Badamosi applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the recruitment exercise,demonstrating his commitment and priority to the health sector of the State. The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muyideen Babatunde Olatunji explained that the Minimum Service Package (MSP) Document which was prepared by the Board revealed a huge gap in the human resource aspect, which prompted the Governor to approve the recruitment exercise. He maintained that the present administration has renovated about 264 PHCs across the State, which are fully equipped, hence “people to be employed now are the ones to work at the various Health Centres”. He added that this will afford people access to qualitative healthcare delivery across the State. Dr. Muyideen reiterated that the candidates writing the examination now are those who applied since 2021 and the CBT exam, which will last for 2 days, is the first step, after which it will be followed by an oral interview.  

Oyo Traffic Tribunal Commences Sitting, 27 Cases Treated

  The Oyo State Traffic Violation Tribunal, constituted by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the Oyo State Rule of Law Agency, has commenced sitting on Monday in Ibadan. This was stated by the OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adesagba Adekoya (Rtd) in a press statement on Wednesday. According to him, the first sitting of the tribunal, was headed by Barrister Wasiu Raheem. The Tribunal treated 27 cases of traffic offenders, with some found guilty and fined, while others were discharged without fines. “The OYRTMA Tribunal Court establishment is a significant step towards maintaining road discipline and reducing corruption in the state’s traffic management system”, he said. He stressed further that the tribunal aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent process for addressing traffic offenses. Major Adekoya however, warned all Zonal Commanders that manual collection of fines is illegal and prohibited, stressing that traffic offenders are to pay their fines directly into the government’s coffers. Adesagba stated further that in order to prevent fradulent acts, the Agency is introducing an automated fine payment system, which will simplify the payment process for offenders.

Oyo Assembly Speaker,Ogundoyin congratulates youngest Assembly Member, Adebisi Yusuf.

By Adeleke Maria    IBADAN – The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, extends his warmest congratulations to Hon. Adebisi Yusuf,the youngest member of the Assembly representing the Ibadan South West I Constituency,on the occasion of his birthday today. In a statement released by the Speaker’s office, Ogundoyin described Hon. Yusuf as a “shining example of youthful excellence” and commended his dedication to serving the people of Oyo State. “I am delighted to join family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating the birthday of our youngest and vibrant Assembly member, Hon. Adebisi Yusuf,” Ogundoyin said. “Despite his age, Hon. Yusuf has shown remarkable qualities and a deep commitment to legislative activities and programmes. His passion and energy are contagious, and he has become a role model for many young people in Oyo State,” Ogundoyin added. Hon. Yusuf, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, has been instrumental in promoting youth empowerment programs and initiatives in the state. As he marks another year, Ogundoyin prayed for Hon. Yusuf’s continued growth, wisdom, and success in his legislative career. “I wish him a happy birthday and many more years of service to our dear state,” the Speaker said.