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Tag: Makinde

  • Sunday Igboho shuns Makinde, insists on herdsmen’s exit from Oyo communities

    Sunday Igboho shuns Makinde, insists on herdsmen’s exit from Oyo communities

    Chief Sunday Adeyemo, an agitator for Oodua Republic, better known as Sunday Igboho, on Friday visited Igangan, a town in the Ibarapa North Local Government area of Oyo State, insisting that Fulani people must leave Yorubaland.

    Recall Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned against actions that could incite peace in the state, saying that no individual or group has the right to initiate forceful eviction of the Fulanis from Oyo State.

    Igboho had last week visited a Fulani settlement in Igangan, where he gave them a seven-day ultimatum to leave the area.

    He accused the Fulani community in the area of masterminding abductions, killings, and other criminal activities in the area.

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    But on Friday, Igboho did not fight the Fulani residents of the state as speculated on social media, but he insisted that Fulani people should leave the state, and the entire Yorubaland if kidnapping continues.

    He said, “Fulani cannot take over our land from us. We own our land and we won’t allow anybody to take it from us. Some people are intimidating us but we won’t succumb to their threat. For the Fulani living here, we are not fighting them, if they can live with us peacefully. Our fear is about Fulani taking over our land, kidnapping and killing our people.

    “We will evict them from our land if they insist on kidnapping our people. I am assuring Yoruba people, especially the residents of Oyo State that there is no cause for alarm. What we started today does not only have to do with Oyo State; we are going to evict Fulani people in the entire Yorubaland.”

  • Makinde condemns calls for herders exit in Oyo

    Makinde condemns calls for herders exit in Oyo

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has called on individuals and groups planning to take actions that could lead to the forcible removal of anyone from Oyo State to desist from taking such actions.

    He said any persons who fail to abide by the directive will face the full wrath of the law.

    The Governor further directed all local government and local council development area Chairpersons to work with the traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state.

    Apparently reacting to the alleged ultimatum given to the herders in the state by a popular Oke Ogun resident, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), Makinde in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday said no one has the right to ask anyone else to leave any part of the country, promising to uphold the provisions of the constitution he swore to in the interest of the entire people of the country.

    According to the Governor, the common enemy of the people is not the herder who is looking for pasture for his flock nor the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family.

    He said the enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits, whom he noted live among the people.

    Makinde said “The past few weeks’ events have made it imperative that I address issues that have to do with the internal security of our dear state. Barely a week ago, I had cause to call out members of the press who were allowing themselves to be used to stoke ethnic tensions among the good people of Oyo State. There have been stories in the press targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

    “However, we cannot overlook the fact that there have indeed been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened. Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.

    “Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo State feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.

    “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo State.

    “Therefore, I am calling on any individuals or groups planning to take any actions that would lead to the forcible removal of anyone from Oyo State to desist from taking such actions. Any persons who fail to abide by this directive will face the full wrath of the law.”

    He said further: “All Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairpersons are directed to work with the traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state. Let me also use this medium to speak to our traditional rulers. They must not be part of any plans to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents of Oyo State.

    “I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace in Oyo State. Our administration is taking all necessary steps to protect the good people of Oyo State from harassment, thuggery and banditry. We believe we have the situation under control.

    “It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the herder who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits.

    “These people live among us.

    “We have constitutionally empowered people who will arrest and prosecute these criminals. Our job, as active citizens, is to help them where we can to identify these enemies. Report any criminals and criminal activities you are privy to and let the authorities take action. If you see something, say something.

    “I must acknowledge the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in our state. I encourage the leadership of the Police to continue to collaborate with our administration to secure Oyo State.

    “With our collective efforts, we can continue to keep the peace in Oyo State. Together, we can preserve the secure environment that has contributed to the growth of our economy.”

  • COVID 19: FG allocates 1,800 vaccines to Oyo – Makinde

    COVID 19: FG allocates 1,800 vaccines to Oyo – Makinde

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, on Wednesday said that the Federal Government had allocated 1,800 vaccines to the state, out of about 100,000 vaccines procured for the country.
    Makinde made the disclosure during a press conference held at the Government House, Agodi in Ibadan, disclosing that the state recorded 696 COVID-19 positive cases out of 13,000 tests from December 2020 to date.

    He, however, said that the number of vaccines allocated to the state was grossly inadequate based on the population of between seven and 12 million people.

    Makinde said that his government was exploring other means of getting the vaccine to the people through opening discussion directly with a vaccine manufacturer on how the state could get as many as possible for the people of the state.

    The governor also said that the COVID-19 data available in the state was not indicating a second wave as the curve was never flatten.

    He said that 20,000 COVID-19 tests were conducted between March and December 2020 with 3,000 results confirmed positive.

    The governor said that at inception the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines allowed tests for mostly sick people and people who had direct contact with infected people who had the virus.
    He said that the NCDC had since revised those guidelines and made testing available to accommodate more people including those without any symptoms.
    “I have always said that all our responses to COVID-19 in Oyo state will be guided by data, science and logic.
    “So, as far as Oyo state is concerned; the data we have is not pointing to the second wave as the curve was never flatten.
    “Rather we have more people becoming complacent and acting as if the pandemic is over.
    “But the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), has continue its work of monitoring and enlightenment.
    “The data says COVID-19 is still very much with us, Science is telling us that we can slow down the spread by taking precautions and the logical thing to do is to follow what science dictate.
    “We know how difficult 2020 was for a lot of us, so logically we should not do things that will make the situation worse,’’ Makinde advised.

    He said that this was not the time for people to let down their guard, stressing “we should not take any of the precautions lightly.

    “In the last months we have unfortunately recorded eight deaths, so even though many persons have mild to moderate symptoms, it is severe for a few.

    “And since we do not know who it will be severe on we need to keep our guards up.

    “On our part, we are doing everything within our power to provide more resources for the EOC to continue to manage the spread of the disease.

    “We are facilitating greater collaboration among the laboratories, the University College Hospital Ibadan and the Olodo Disease Infectious Centre.

    “Also , we are carrying out trainings for private clinics/hospitals so that they can follow the right protocols.” Makinde stated.

    The governor further revealed that his government would soon sign an MoU with a private company to use its facilities if the need be for those who might need oxygen.

    He urged all residents of the state to continue to strictly observe the COVID-19 guidelines, use their nose masks always, wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitisers, keep proper social distancing, among others.

  • Makinde to sanction erring personnel of Amotekun corps

    Makinde to sanction erring personnel of Amotekun corps

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his government is already investigating the reports of alleged highhandedness of some personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network; code-named ‘Amotekun’.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by Mankinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa.

    The statement said that Makinde’s reaction on his Twitter handle followed the recent face-off between some personnel of the Amotekun corps and some youths in Tapa town, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor stated that the matter would be addressed squarely in the interest of the security and wellbeing of residents of the state.

    He maintained that his administration was doing everything it could to address security challenges in the state.

    Makinde said that Amotekun was introduced to check insecurity in the state and that his administration would not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of any member of the public or any security agent.

    “Following the recent events in Tapa, Ibarapa North local government area, it becomes imperative that I once again reassure the good people of Oyo state that our administration is doing everything in its power to address security issues in our state.

    “One of the strategies we are using to check insecurity in the state is the recently introduced Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun).

    ” I am fully aware of the alleged highhandedness by some members of the corps. We are investigating these issues to address them promptly.

    “The welfare and security of the good people of Oyo state remain our top priority.

    “We will not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of members of the public or our security officers.

    “Therefore, I urge the good people of Oyo state to please remain calm and allow members of the corps to perform their legally authorised duties for our peoples’ well-being.

    “Let me assure you that if any corps members is abusing their office, they will be dealt with accordingly,” Makinde stated.

  • Ibidapo-Obe’s death great loss to Nigeria, says Gov Makinde

    Ibidapo-Obe’s death great loss to Nigeria, says Gov Makinde

    Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has described the demise of Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe, as a great loss to the state, Nigeria and the academic world.

    Ibidapo-Obe, who was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos and the Pro-Chancellor of the Technical University, (Tech-U), Ibadan, died on Sunday, Jan. 3.

    A statement issued on Monday, in Ibadan, by Mr Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, indicated that Gov Makinde had condoled with the immediate family of the late don, the UNILAG community and the Tech-U management.

    The statement quoted the governor as stating that the late Ibidapo-Obe was a teacher’s teacher and an administrator per excellence, who left great marks on Nigeria’s education sector.

    He added that the death of the former vice-chancellor came at a time his wealth of experience and sterling knowledge of education management were needed by the state and the country.

    “The news of the death of my uncle and lecturer, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, came as a rude shock. But we submit to the will of God and pray that the Almighty grants repose to his soul.

    “I also condole with the family he left behind, the UNILAG community where he was a partner in progress for decades, the management of the Technical University and, indeed, the Nigerian academia.

    “Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great man, a teacher’s teacher and an administrator of note, who made great marks as an engineering teacher and university administrator.

    “It is my prayer that God will uphold everyone he left behind and grant us all the fortitude to bear the loss of the erudite scholar,” Makinde stated.

  • Despite challenges, count your blessings in 2020, Makinde tells Nigerians

    Despite challenges, count your blessings in 2020, Makinde tells Nigerians

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday recounted some of his successes in 2020 despite the myriad of challenges facing the nation, urging residents to maintain a positive outlook for the new year.
    Makinde, in a 2021 New Year address, issued in Ibadan by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said despite various events that set the state back economically, his government was still able to record huge successes.
    The governor maintained that his government achieved a success in reducing infrastructural deficit of the state.
    He noted that 2020 was characterised by fall in oil prices, which led to a huge drop in revenue from the Federal allocations.
    According to the governor, with the attendant economic meltdown, the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, among other challenges, “yet our administration could still record successes”.
    Makinde stated that efforts of his administration in fixing the health, education and security sectors have yielded positive results, while the administration was also able to grow the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state.
    “As 2020 closes, I am reminded of the words of the very popular 1897 hymn by Johnson Oatman Jr, ‘Count your Blessings’. This song encourages us to take stock of the good things that happened in our lives. When we do this, we often find that we have overlooked many positives.”
    He said “In March 2020, many states in Nigeria had cases of the coronavirus disease. This necessitated an interstate lockdown by the Federal Government; although we did not effect a total lockdown in Oyo State, we were not spared the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    “A few months later, we faced mass protests by the youth and others who were angry about police brutality. Events after the protests also set us back economically.
    The governor, however, said that the year 2020 was not defined by all the events. As the first stanza of the song says: – ‘When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
    “So, let me recount some of the blessings that 2020 brought us as a people.
    “We continued working with our administration’s blueprint, the Roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo State, 2019-2023. And I am happy to report that we have continued to reduce our infrastructural deficit, slowly but surely.
    “As at Sept. 2020, we had recorded an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N25.6 billion. And using the half-year figures, that represented a 26.4 per cent increase in IGR year on year.
    “Moribund industries such as the Pace Setter Quarry and Asphalt Plant, Ijaiye; Agbowo Shopping Complex, Ibadan and Pacesetter Fruit Processing Company, Oko, were handed over to concessionaires, he said.
    Makinde said ”All of these will be contributing to the economic development of our state.
    “We are confronting the new challenges caused by the influx of people and businesses into Oyo State; more people are being attracted to our dear state because of our good governance initiatives and business-friendly environment.
    “We believe that the complaints about the city’s traffic situation will soon be a thing of the past as we vigorously pursue road rehabilitation, expansion and construction.”
    He further disclosed that the bus terminals at Iwo road, New Ife road, Challenge and Ojoo will be commissioned in 2021.
    “On Education, we have continued our strides with the construction of model schools, blocks of classrooms, perimeter fencing and sinking of boreholes.
    “We have also engaged in teachers’ training and completed the recruitment of 5,000 teachers to reduce the student-teacher ratio in our secondary schools.
    “We were able to resolve the lingering issue of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and Oyo State is now the sole owner of the institution.
    “On Agriculture, we signed the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) bill into law which provided for the establishment of the agency.
    “We began renovating and expanding the headquarters in Saki. We also initiated the Start Them Early Programme (STEP) in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
    “This initiative takes agribusiness education to secondary schools; additionally, we started training our youth in agribusiness with the Oyo State Youth in Agribusiness Tomatoes Project.
    “The highlight of the past year in security is the commencement of operations of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network; codenamed Amotekun.
    “We know there will be teething problems, but rest assured that the corps will be serving the interests of the people of the state.
    “We also believe that all well-meaning residents of Oyo State will work with the corps to secure all 351 wards of our state.
    “Our healthcare sector witnessed improvements, not only in infrastructure but also in recruitment and training. We took advantage of the pandemic to upgrade and rehabilitate Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) at Igbo Ora and Awe.
    “We also renovated and equipped the PHC at Aafin in Oyo Town and ALGON Comprehensive Health Centre at Eyin Grammar, Ibadan.
    “We now have one Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo, In Ogbomoso; we renovated one wing of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. And at Saki, we took an incomplete project and turned it into a 100-bed specialist hospital.
    “Our plan to rehabilitate one primary health centre per ward in Oyo State is in full gear,” Makinde added.
    The Governor also said that residents of the state and Nigerians as a whole should be thankful to God for surviving 2020.
    He stated that though many would describe the year as a tough one, “God’s grace saw them through the various challenges that characterised the year.”
    He, therefore, urged residents to maintain a positive outlook for the New Year, saying Oyo state is open for business and that his government remains committed to its promise to uplift the state.
    He vowed never to take the support of the people for granted, nor will we take lightly our promise to serve. 

    “At the end of the year 2021, May we have even more reasons to look back and be surprised at the many things that the Lord has done.
    “The Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA) is always willing to discuss investment opportunities in the state with both local and international businesses.
    “May your year 2021 be better than your year 2020.” the governor added.

  • Makinde raises alarm over influx of terrorists in South West through border in Oyo

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that terrorists are entering the South West geo-political zone of the country through Oke Ogun.

    Makinde said terrorists and bandits from Mali and other countries in the West African region are entering through a border in Saki, one of the towns in the State.

    The Governor, who spoke when he visited Saki, noted that the issue of banditry was one of the challenges his government was battling with.

    He added that the inauguration of Amotekun Corps was yielding positive results.

    Makinde noted that Amotekun Corps had been able to flush out some bandits terrorising residents of the State.

    He said, “So, it was really tasking. Of course, in our locality here, the issue of banditry is also another issue.

    “For instance, Saki shares an international border and it is more of an international issue because we have bandits all the way from Mali that are trying to cross.

    “Once they gain entrance into anywhere they can operate, they will stay there.

    “When we inaugurated Amotekun, you gave us your support. When some bandits went to the bush at Kishi, we were able to flush them out with all the efforts of all of us here. So, we want to use this opportunity to say thank you to you all.”

  • Fayose tackles Gov Makinde over leadership of PDP in South West

    A former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is not the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-west.

    He noted that leadership should be earned and not for anyone as a title.

    Fayose added that an ex-Ondo State Information Commissioner, Dr Eddy Olafeso, should be the next PDP National Vice Chairman (West) as, according to him, earlier agreed in Makinde’s house at Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Fayose and Makinde have been at loggerheads over the leadership of the South-West PDP.

    The ex-governor spoke in Lagos on Monday while receiving prominent members of the party who paid him a solidarity visit.

    The delegation was led by Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, representing Ondo South District in the National Assembly.

    Among the delegation were Olafeso, former House of Representatives member, Lad Ojomo, ex-House of Assembly member, Niyi Ogunboye, Chief Ibini Oyedele, Chief Tunde Akindehin, Pastor Larry Ogunmusere, Ife Akinsoyinu, Sola Ebiwonjumi, Olusola Adewo, Adeolu Akinseye and Ebenezer Alabi.

    Fayose commended members of the delegation for “not sitting on the fence.”

    He stated, “It is dangerous to sit on the fence. I don’t play to the gallery.”

    He also berated Makinde’s supporters for calling him an “APC man,” adding that why wasn’t he labelled as such when he supported the Oyo State governor and worked for his victory in last general elections.

    Fayose added, “Tell the baby governor that the way up is the way down. Let Makinde put feeding bottle in the mouth of his dogs. You are called a leader because you earned it, not your title.

    “Can I be an All Progressives Congress man and be fighting Buhari (the President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)? I was governor at 42. He is governor at 51. I don’t deserve an insult from Makinde.

    “Governor Makinde is not my leader. He is my follower. Respect should beget respect. I have been a warrior. They thought I will be with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission now. But, I am surviving.”

    Senator Tofowomo, who said Fayose was a credible leader of the PDP in the South-West, added that he was accessible, a grass-roots operator and a defender of fairness, equity and justice in the party in the last 17 years.

    On his part, Ojomo described Fayose as a great and faithful leader worthy of pride, saying he was a fighter for justice.

  • 2023: Gov. Makinde jabs Tinubu, says Nigeria needs security, restructuring not Yoruba presidency

    2023: Gov. Makinde jabs Tinubu, says Nigeria needs security, restructuring not Yoruba presidency

    The Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, has indirectly deflated the underground moves by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu to rally South West leaders in supporting his alleged bid to contest for the office of the president by 2023.

    Makinde noted that Nigerians need adequate security and restructuring of the country much more than who occupies the presidency.

    The governor who alluded to Tinubu in his statement as those running around the country because of their presidential ambition, said those politicians would soon know better.

    Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, was quoted to have spoken in Ibadan at the handover of 33 operational vehicles and 396 motorcycles to the Oyo State Security Agency, popularly known as Operation Amotekun.

    He had earlier given 25 vehicles to the police and Operation Burst to combat insecurity in the state.

    Makinde said, “I have heard some of our political leaders jostling around and saying they want to become the president of Nigeria in 2023.

    “I think what we need at this stage is to secure our people and restructure Nigeria. It does not matter who is the president in Abuja. In a restructured Nigeria, every corner of the country will feel the impact of government. That is what we need.

    “May God protect those running around for presidency till 2022. By that time, we will meet and, by then, we will get to know whether it is restructured Nigeria or Yoruba presidency that we really need.”

    Although he did not mention Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress leader had been travelling to some parts of the country while his foot soldiers have been going round to solicit support for his presidential ambition.

    Makinde lauded Amotekun, saying the impact of the security agency was being felt all over the state.

  • Harry Akande’s death great loss to Oyo –Makinde

    Harry Akande’s death great loss to Oyo –Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described as a huge loss, the death of business mogul and former presidential aspirant, Chief Harry Akande.

    Makinde stated this in a condolence message to the deceased’s family, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, on Saturday in Ibadan.

    Akande died on Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was aged 77.

    Makinde said, “The news of the death of the Agba Oye of Ibadanland and internationally-renowned businessman, Chief Harry Akande, came to me as a shock.

    “His death meant another great loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria.

    “Akande’s fame as a businessman and his decision to join the Nigerian politics to make a difference were classic.

    “His conduct gave courage to the younger generation of businessmen, most of whom have gone ahead to emulate Akande and are making good their dreams.”

    The governor said that Akande was one of the pathfinders for businessmen in politics.

    He added that Akande’s efforts in deepening democracy through participation in politics would go into the annals of history, especially his role in building formidable opposition.