PHOTOS Archives - Citybuzz News

(PHOTOS): Nigerian Army Troops Of 2 Div Secure Release Of 9 Kidnapped Victims

October 14, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE Nigerian Army (NA) troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have continued to sustain operations against criminal elements operating within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). A press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 2 Division Nigerian Army stated that, “During a night patrol along Egbe – Okuran in Kogi State, and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State, on 13 October, 2025, troops intercepted 9 kidnapped victims at Essalu community, in Yagba west LGA of Kogi State. Amongst the rescued victims are 4 males, and 5 females who were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on 24 September, 2025. On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled unconfirmed number of cattle. The milestone achievement was as a result of the continued extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States. The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from own troops sustained operations in the area.Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee. The intercepted kidnapped victims include; Mr Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Mr Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Mr Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30. Others are Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12. They were administered first aid treatments and provided with food while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi LGA authority to aid them reunite with their respective families. The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency. The NA continues its campaign towards appealing to the general public to always avail troops with credible information that would aid in fighting insecurity and effectively securing lives and property of Nigerians.

‎JUST IN: Makinde Presents Instruments Of Office To Ladoja As 44th Olubadan(PHOTOS) ‎

September 26, 2025 by admin

‎IBADAN – History was made on Friday at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan as Governor Seyi Makinde officially presented the staff and instruments of office to former Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. ‎The installation of Oba Ladoja’s installation and coronation held at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan. ‎The epoch-making coronation ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance. ‎Speaking while presenting the staff of office, Governor Makinde described Oba Ladoja’s ascension as “a fulfillment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage.” ‎He noted that the installation of the new monarch was not just a traditional exercise but also a unifying moment for the people of Ibadanland. ‎Details shortly… ‎

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

June 25, 2025 by admin

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

Mid-term Retreat: Makinde Launches Performance Delivery Compact To Measure Results•••Says Oyo Admitted Into World Union Of Whole Markets (PHOTOS)

June 23, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has announced the launch of what he described as a Legacy Compact, also known as Oyo State’s Performance Delivery Compact, which will help the administration to measure results and successes in the next two years. The governor gave this indication on Monday, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), venue of the 2025 Mid-Term Leadership Retreat organised by the Oyo State Government. According to the governor, the performance delivery compact will enable each Ministry, Department and Agency to identify three to five legacy deliverables that they can realistically complete before 2027; break the deliverables down into 6-month targets to see what will be delivered by January 2026, and what will be completed by May 2027; and ensure that each target is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. He added that the compact will also enable the MDAs to publish the commitments as their Oyo Legacy Pledge, be prepared to stand before the public and say: “this is what we promised, this is what we delivered” and also collaborate across ministries through Joint Compacts, especially where outcomes overlap — such as infrastructure and commerce, education and youth, tourism and environment. Governor Makinde, who spoke on the theme: “Reflecting on progress, refining priorities and re-firing for maximum impact and legacy,” noted that the performance compacts would guide resourcing, visibility, and decision-making for the remainder of the administration, adding that they would be monitored quarterly and reviewed at the state’s Legacy Retreat in 2026. He added that the administration has made remarkable achievements in the last two years of Omituntun 2.0, with successes in the economic sector where the state has been admitted into the World Union of Wholesale Markets courtesy of its partnership with Semmaris on the Ijaiye Food Wholesale Market, the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport into an international airport and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road, which first phase of 32km would be commissioned before the end of 2025. He added that the administration has recorded remarkable successes in the education sector, where it recruited 14,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, upgraded 105 classrooms with another 36 ongoing; in the health sector where 264 Primary Health Centres have been upgraded and in the infrastructure sector, where feeder and rural roads are receiving priority attention. Governor Makinde noted, however, that it was time to step back and evaluate the efforts with a view to energising MDAs to finish strong as the administration moves into its last two years in office. He said: “Let me formally welcome you to this retreat where we will be reflecting on the journey of Omituntun 2.0. We will be x-raying our activities through the lens of our Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023 to 2027. We are now halfway through this mandate and it is a good time to take a step back to ask ourselves: how far have we come, what remains to be done, and what must we do now to finish strong? “We began this journey not merely with promises, but with a vision—to shift from accelerated development to sustainable transformation. A vision that says: we do not only build for applause, we build for impact. Let us begin by acknowledging that there is much to be proud of. “Under the Economic pillar, Oyo State has made history. We became the first sub-national in Africa to gain admission into the World Union of Wholesale Markets. We secured a landmark partnership with Semmaris to establish Nigeria’s first Rungis-style wholesale agri-food market — a direct outcome of our agribusiness-first strategy. I want to again publicly thank Dr Debo Akande for his role in making this possible. “We commissioned the 11MW Independent Power Project, powering the State Secretariat 24/7 for the first time in 49 years. “We started the Circular Road and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport upgrade, while paying attention to feeder roads starting from the Ibadan Zone and extending to other zones from this year. We have also commenced the rehabilitation of rural roads through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). “Significantly, we brought water to our people. Let me also thank Elias Adeojo for his role in this. He did the unexpected and is still working. Well done. “Our tourism vision is taking shape. We held the first tourism summit in 2024, which helped us to see what direction we wanted to go with tourism, and we are back this year with the second edition, where we will be making a clear call to investors and showing a shift in how we have been working in that sector. “In Education, we recruited over 14,000 new personnel — teaching and non-teaching — to close the gap in our classrooms. We’ve upgraded 105 schools in underserved areas and commenced work on 36 more. The focus is not just on structures, but also on curriculum reform, digital tools, and inclusion. “In Healthcare, we’ve extended the Omituntun Free Health Mission, reaching over 18,000 people this year alone, equipped 264 Primary Healthcare Centres, and improved health equity. Diseases like Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis have been eliminated in several LGAs — a first for our State. I acknowledge the work our Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, and the rest of the team are doing in this sector. God bless you. “In Security, we have grown Amotekun to about 2,500 personnel, equipped our forces, and invested in forest protection, rural security, and community intelligence. Our farmers are returning to their farms. Our people are safer today because we chose to act early. “I thank you all for all the work you have put in to make Omituntun 2.0 Part 1 a success. We are now moving to Part 2. This moment calls for honest reflection. Have we made progress? Yes. Are we where we need to be? Not yet. “Across our Roadmap, there remain gaps — not of vision, but of delivery. Projects that began with promise now need a final push; several critical road … Read more

International Widows’ Day: Oyo First Lady Salutes Widows’ Courage, Distributes Cash, Food Items (PHOTOS)

June 23, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, has said that the International Widows’ Day is not just a day to celebrate widows but a day to celebrate their courage. Mrs. Makinde disclosed this on Monday while hosting widows across the 33 local government areas of the state in her office, Agodi, Ibadan. The program was held to commemorate the 2025 International Widows’ Day. The event, which featured the distribution of food items, cash relief to thousands of widows as a gesture of love, compassion, and empowerment, had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life including wives of the Chairmen of the local governments, artisans, leaders of the market women, among others. At the event, Mrs. Makinde, who was represented by Hon. (Mrs) Bisi Oluranti Michael, member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ogbomoso North Constituency, appreciated the wife of the governor, emphasized the need to appreciate the strength of widows and to reaffirm government’s commitment to supporting them. “Today is not just a remembrance of loss,” she said, “but a celebration of courage. “Widows face not only the pain of losing their partners but also the risk of losing their dignity and social standing. As mothers, caretakers, and pillars of their homes, your courage is inspiring, and your pain is acknowledged. This day belongs to you.” Diya Ogunjimi, who represented the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, urged the women to remain strong in the face of adversity. “We honour the memory of your loved ones and acknowledge your resilience. You are not alone, and we hope today brings renewed strength and encouragement,” she said. Also speaking, Mrs. Abiola Sanda, wife of the ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria) Chairman in Oyo State, who called on society to end all forms of stigmatization against widows. “If you cannot help a widow, at least do not stigmatize her,” she said. “Widows deserve dignity, not pity or suspicion.” Emotional testimonies were shared by beneficiaries like Mrs Tawakalitu Adam, who stated: “It is not easy to raise children and carry the cross alone, but gestures like this give us strength to carry on, we appreciate the wife of the giv for remembering us with material support” Also Mrs Motunrayo Salam, who encouraged fellow widows to stay hopeful: “It’s very painful to be a widow but with the help of God, we can carry on. So we appreciate our mother for gifting us on a day like this and also encouraging us with food items and cash support.” Dignitaries present at the event included several wives of local government chairmen from across the state, such as Mrs. Khadijah Salam (Oyo West), Mrs. Aisha Adeleke (Atiba), Mrs. Victoria Adegbite (Surulere), and Mrs. Olusola Adebimpe (Ibarapa East), among others. International Widows’ Day, marked annually on June 23, is observed to raise awareness about the struggles faced by widows globally and to advocate for their rights, protection, and inclusion.

34 Years After: Family Holds Remembrance Prayers For Late Philanthropist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin (PHOTOS)

June 18, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – The family of the late Chief Adeseun Ayisa Ogundoyin, a revered philanthropist, educationist, and humanist today held a solemn remembrance prayer session to mark 34 years since his passing in 1991 at the age of 52 The event, held at the family vault in Adetoro Estate, Sango, Eruwa, brought together his children including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo OGUNDOYIN, his siblings as well as religious leaders, friends, and wellwishers who gsthered to honor the legacy of a man devoted to humanitarian service. The Christian prayer session was led by Rev. Dr. Ayoola Moses Olugbenga, Minister-in-Charge of First Baptist Church, Anko, Eruwa, who took his lesson from Isaiah 64:8 “You are a vessel in God’s hand.” Rev. Ayoola described the late Chief Ogundoyin as a vessel who fulfilled God’s purpose through acts of compassion, kindness, and community service. He urged all present to emulate his example by sowing seeds of love, kindness, and positivity in their daily lives. The Muslim prayer session was conducted by representatives of Sheiq Abdulsalam Abdul Kareem Olore, Chief Imam of Eruwaland, highlighting Chief Ogundoyin’s widespread influence across religious and social divides. A special prayer session was held inside the family vault, where Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and his siblings gathered to offer heartfelt prayers for the eternal repose of their father’s soul. The remembrance also featured moving testimonies from clerics, and associates who recalled Chief Ogundoyin’s enduring impact, his generosity, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the underprivileged. In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said, “Though he left this world 34 years ago, my father’s legacy still breathes through every good work he did and the lives he touched. His values of service, humility, and kindness remain our guiding light.” He affirmed that his father remains one of Eruwa’s most celebrated figures, remembered not only for his philanthropy but for the deep humanity he embodied. Recall that, last year in honor of their late father, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin’s children donated ₦5,000,000 (five million naira) to the Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) to intensify the fight against sickle cell disease in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. The donation was made in recognition of their father, who was a carrier of sickle cell disease before his passing on June 18, 1991, 34 Years After : Family Holds Remembrance Prayers for Late Philanthropist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin The family of the late Chief Adeseun Ayisa Ogundoyin, a revered philanthropist, educationist, and humanist today held a solemn remembrance prayer session to mark 34 years since his passing in 1991 at the age of 52. The event, held at the family vault in Adetoro Estate, Sango, Eruwa, brought together his children including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, his siblings as well as religious leaders, friends, and wellwishers who gsthered to honor the legacy of a man devoted to humanitarian service. The Christian prayer session was led by Rev. Dr. Ayoola Moses Olugbenga, Minister-in-Charge of First Baptist Church, Anko, Eruwa, who took his lesson from Isaiah 64:8 “You are a vessel in God’s hand.” Rev. Ayoola described the late Chief Ogundoyin as a vessel who fulfilled God’s purpose through acts of compassion, kindness, and community service. He urged all present to emulate his example by sowing seeds of love, kindness, and positivity in their daily lives. The Muslim prayer session was conducted by representatives of Sheiq Abdulsalam Abdul Kareem Olore, Chief Imam of Eruwaland, highlighting Chief Ogundoyin’s widespread influence across religious and social divides. A special prayer session was held inside the family vault, where Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and his siblings gathered to offer heartfelt prayers for the eternal repose of their father’s soul. The remembrance also featured moving testimonies from clerics, and associates who recalled Chief Ogundoyin’s enduring impact, his generosity, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the underprivileged. In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said, “Though he left this world 34 years ago, my father’s legacy still breathes through every good work he did and the lives he touched. His values of service, humility, and kindness remain our guiding light.” He affirmed that his father remains one of Eruwa’s most celebrated figures, remembered not only for his philanthropy but for the deep humanity he embodied. Recall that, last year in honor of their late father, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin’s children donated ₦5,000,000 (five million naira) to the Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) to intensify the fight against sickle cell disease in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. The donation was made in recognition of their father, who was a carrier of sickle cell disease before his passing on June 18, 1991.

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

June 13, 2025 by admin

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

(Photos) Students Laud Makinde’s Commitment To Agribusiness Development, Tour Fasola Industrial Hub

May 9, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has been lauded for his commitments towards agribusiness development in the state. Governor Makinde was commended for his achievements in agribusiness by students of the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology New Bussa, Niger State who were on educational visit to Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, Oyo. The students were received by the Regional Manager of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) – Oyo Region, Mr Popoola Olushola, Mr Ademola Adeniyi, the Community Relations Officer and Mr Badmus Emmanuel – Facility Manager for Fasola, ATC. Popoola whose duties comprises overseeing all OYSADA facilities in Oyo regions including OYSADA office – Oyo and Awe – IITA/ Oyo State Government Incubation Park Center, alongside other officers conducted the students round some facilities in the hub, thereby given them the opportunity to explore the agribusiness investments in the facility and agribusiness environment beyond the four walls of their classrooms. The students in their separate reactions applauded Oyo state government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde for creating enabling environment for cluster of investors they met at the facility. They expressed their satisfactions over the level at which the investors are enjoying returns on their investment in agribusiness with ease, they also maintained that Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub remains one of its kind in the country, and Africa at large. Dr. Rosemary Oladosu-Ajayi, the Chairperson, Field trips and excursion Committee of the College, had earlier through the notification letter forwarded to OYSADA noted that the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology New Bussa, Niger State is an institution that runs programs in National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) and one of the basic National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) requirements for all students in the program is a scheduled field and industrial experience which is aimed at expanding the students horizon in their field of study. Rosemary in her reaction at the Fasola hub however expressed optimism that the educational visit will improve the learning of the students. The visiting students of the college were ND2, HND1 and HND2 students of Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Extension Management, Fisheries Technology and Crop Protection Technology respectively. The total number of the students on tour was 103, followed by 5 staff of the college. Some of the facilities toured during the educational visit include AATF Factory, Brown Hill Factory, Friesland Campania, Wamco Dairy Company, among others.

(PHOTOS): We’ll Airlift Intending Hajj Pilgrims From Ibadan International Airport Soon – Makinde

May 8, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that intending pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be airlifted directly from the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Alakia, Ibadan. The governor, who said this on Wednesday during the farewell ceremony for the Oyo State Hajj 2025 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, held at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, called on them to pray for both Oyo State and the Federal Government in the holy land. He also enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state. Giving an update on the ongoing upgrade of the airport to international standard, Governor Makinde said the project has been progressing well and has become a reality that will impact the economy of the state positively. He added that his administration has made huge progress on infrastructure development across the state, noting that the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road and the reconstructed Olodo Bridge will complement the government’s efforts on the Hajj Camp project. He said: “I went to the airport two days ago and I can tell you that it is a project God has already completed. The airport is now a reality. I am submitting a letter indicating that by the time we want to do next year’s Hajj, we have the capacity to take off from our airport here. “We are not going to be doing a symbolic take-off, in which you would fly from here to Lagos and take off from that point. No. You will take-off from here till you get to your destination. We hoped for it, worked towards it and God has helped us to actualise the dream. “What flying out of Ibadan Airport during the Hajj operations of next year would do for us is that Customs and Immigration personnel would be posted there. This will definitely make the airport assume both regional and international status. “Also, let me say in response to the request by the chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, that we have made some progress on infrastructure. Few years back, when you wanted to come to the Hajj Camp, there was only one major road but, today, there is an alternative road. “The Circular Road will take you through Badeku from the back of this place as you don’t need to go to Iwo Road. You can also turn right from here to link Moniya Road. “Also, the bridge that didn’t allow us to host this farewell programme here last year has been completed and I have seen it. They will also fix the road beyond this point that we are all standing to complement what the chairman is requesting for. “When I came here for the first time about six years ago, it was very dusty. But we have now made some progress, as the car park has been done and other roads are being fixed. Before this time next year, the whole project would have been completed.” The governor equally charged intending pilgrims to follow laid down rules and avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state and that of their respective families. He commended the chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Wahab Ateere, and members of the board for the successful planning and coordination of the 2025 Hajj operations. He added: “I want to urge you, the pilgrims from Oyo State, to pray for the government while praying for yourselves and families. “Remember to also pray for the Federal Government, because most of the things they do at the federal level always have an impact on what we do at the state level.” Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Atere, appreciated Governor Makinde for his unprecedented developmental strides and continuous support to the Muslim community and the board towards a smooth 2025 Hajj exercise. He explained that with the support of the governor, the state has secured the visas for all the intending pilgrims, who will be airlifted in two batches on 10th and 11th of May, 2025 without any delay. He added that the board has secured befitting accommodations for all the intending pilgrims and made other arrangements successfully. In his lecture, Professor Kamil Koyejo Oloso charged the pilgrims to remain focused and perform the Hajj rites devotedly, spend their money wisely and look out for one another. Also in their separate goodwill messages, the chairman, Ibadan Muslim Community, Chief Bayo Oyero, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu appreciated Governor Makinde for his unflinching support, charging the intending pilgrims not to use the Hajj operations for social visit or tourists’ adventure but as what it is, one of the pillars of Islam. The event had in attendance the wife of a former Oyo State governor, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, who was represented by Alhaja Iyabo Kobiowu; former deputy governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors , Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi. Others were Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni. Also in attendance were the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Sheik Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere; League of Imams and Alfas and top government functionaries.

(Photos) UI Student,Emerges Winner At 8th Edition Of Super Bowl Debate Competition

December 22, 2024 by admin

Adeleke Maria Chineke Ugochukwu, a student of the University of Ibadan, emerged victorious at the Eighth Edition of the Super Bowl Debate Competition, held at the Alumni Hall, University of Ibadan. The event, themed “This is Nigeria,” featured representatives from 13 institutions across Oyo State, showcasing their oratory and critical thinking skills. Participating institutions included Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Federal School of Survey Oyo, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora, and Dominican University, among others. The competition unfolded in three stages: a thematic speech on “This is Nigeria,” an impromptu pix-prompt session, and a final round addressing the topic “Heroes of Today.” Chineke Ugochukwu clinched first place with a score of 68.1%, followed by Jacintha Nwachukwu from Dominican University with 66.9% and Kolade Daniella from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University with 63.2%. In his welcome address, Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Students’ Affairs, emphasized the importance of empowering young leaders. “Super Bowl is about creating an environment where ideas are exchanged, confidence is built, and future leaders are nurtured,” he said. Dr. Bisi Olawuyi, the competition’s convener and Head of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, shared the event’s mission: “This platform isn’t just about highlighting Nigeria’s problems but finding solutions through the perspectives of young people.” He added “My motivation, is trying to build leadership skills,oratorical skills, amongst others. I also believe that it is high time we began to engage young people en sundry national issues. Many of these young people has so many ideas that can transform nigeria and all we need to do is to give them the opportunity by giving them the platform to speak.” Keynote speaker and investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, a former Super Bowl contestant, addressed systemic corruption in Nigeria, urging a return to values like hard work and dignity of labor. “The solution to every Nigerian problem lies in the agency created to solve it,” Soyombo asserted. The winners were rewarded with cash prizes and trophies, with Ugochukwu receiving ₦200,000, Nwachukwu ₦150,000, and Daniella ₦100,000. The competition, which resumed after a four-year hiatus, received renewed support from the Oyo State government, with plans for further collaboration in the future. The Super Bowl Debate Competition continues to serve as a platform for fostering leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills among Nigerian youths.