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Tag: Makinde

  • Gov. Makinde buries mum in Ibadan amidst emotional tribute

    Gov. Makinde buries mum in Ibadan amidst emotional tribute

    The mother of Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Madam Abigail Makinde, was, on Friday, interred in Ibadan, amidst emotional tribute from the governor.

    Makinde, in his tribute during the funeral service, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, said that he and his other siblings would forever remember their late mum.

    He said that the deceased thought him how to be disciplined and contented, even though it was tough at the time.

    “I used to be a truant in my primary school because I had thought that I would be a professional footballer. But the discipline my mum inculcated in me made me become what I am today.

    The governor, while stating that he inherited many traits from his late mother, said that she thought him to love God and to always bring best gifts to Him.

    On his political career, Makinde said that his mum didn’t want him to go into politics but that he decided to follow his heart.

    “I remember that day in 2007 when I contested for senator, she cried because police men invaded my house and I had to be rescued by the army. She told me that she had warned me not to go into politics but that I would not listen,” he stated.

    Makinde, who betrayed emotion towards the end of the tribute, declared that his late mother was irreplaceable.

    In his sermon at the occasion, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev. Segun Okubadejo, urged the congregation to always remember that they could only live within the atmosphere of their actions.

    Okubadejo called on them to see their attendance at the funeral service as another opportunity for them to reflect on their lives and their relationship with God.

    She extolled the virtues of the late Madam Makinde, describing her as a devout Christian while on earth.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha was represented at the occasion by Chief Olusegun Adekunle, while no fewer than 11 governors were in attendance.

    The governors included Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu (Lagos), Mr Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Dr Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Alhaji Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Mr Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Alhaji Aminu Tanbuwal (Sokoto).

    Others were Mr Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Mr Nyesome Wike (Rivers) and Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

    Also in attendance were two former governors of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, two former governors of Ogun, Chief Gbenga Daniel and Sen. Ibikunle Amosu, former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), former Gov. Segun Oni (Ekiti) and some serving senators.

    NAN recalls that Madam Makinde died on Oct. 15 at the age of 81.

  • Count me out of plot by South West governors to clampdown on social media bill – Makinde

    Count me out of plot by South West governors to clampdown on social media bill – Makinde

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has distanced himself from the proposed clampdown on social media through regulation.

    He also denied media reports Southwest Governors voted in favour of social media regulation bill.

    Rather, he said the Governors only resolved the existing Cybercrime Act (Cybercrime Prohibition Prevention Act, 2015) should be allowed to take its course instead of duplicating an existing law in the name of social media bill.

    He spoke on Tuesday while inaugurating an 11-man judicial panel at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The panel is chaired by a retired Chief Judge, Justice Badejoko Adeniji while Mrs. Oluwafolake Ogundele, an Assistant Director, Department of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice is to serve as Secretary.

    Other members of the panel include: Prof. Odutayo Akintayo, Dr Oluwole Akintayo, Mrs. Wumi Odutayo, Mr Nasir Sulaimon, Ms Mary Kolawole, Mr Babatunde Oduyoye, Mrs Maryan Badmus, Mr Falowo Saheed and Mr Agbeja Adebola.

    Makinde said about 50 petitions have been received through the official portal created for members of the public to register their complaints.

    On the social media regulation, he said: “Let me categorically state that as far as I know, there was no such communiqué from the Southwest Governors that I am part of.

    “Yes, I was in Lagos on Sunday, we did hold a meeting but our agreement at the meeting was that we already have an existing Cybercrime Act (Cybercrime Prohibition Prevention Act, 2015), so there was no need for any further duplicity in terms of a specific social media bill.

    “So, should anyone choose to sponsor such, I should be categorically be counted out. Because the Cybercrime Act is extensive enough and covers any issues that any so-called Social media Bill may seek to address.”

    He added: “And as I have said in various fora, we are fully aware of the trust deficit in the system right now, the trust deficit between the government, the leaders and the ordinary citizens. People are angry, there is a lot of anger in the land. There is a lot of hunger as well.”

    He urged members of the public with legitimate case of human right violations to bring same forward to the panel with evidence, nothing that such is the only way the job of the panel could be easily done.

    “Some people have said it will not yield any result. Well, the only way it can produce a result is if people present their cases and bring evidences to support them, so that the panel can make their recommendations which will then be adopted and implemented.

    “So, something would happen if people are able to come forward and present their cases before the panel.

    “When it comes to judicial matters, it is a matter of evidence. Even if your brother is the judge, if you don’t have any evidence, nothing is going to happen.”

  • Makinde orders recruitment of 1,500 officers to kick-start Amotekun

    Makinde orders recruitment of 1,500 officers to kick-start Amotekun

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, yesterday, said that he had ordered immediate recruitment of 1,500 officers to kick-start the South-West Security Network, code-named Amotekun Corps, in the state.

    Makinde disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of #EndSARS Movement, artisans, motorcyclists, Micra operatives, and youths at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    The governor stated that the personnel of the security outfit would start their training November 1, 2020, with the officers passing out on November 15, 2020. He gave general amnesty to Micra operatives and Okada riders fined by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYTMA) for flouting the state traffic laws, and asked them to sin no more.

    Besides, Makinde has expressed sadness over the abduction of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Iganna Local Council Development Area of Oyo State, Jacob Olayiwola Adeleke, saying the government will do everything within its power to get him freed.

    IN another development, the Alado of Ado-Awaye in Iseyin Local Council of Oyo State, Oba Ademola Olugbile, has lamented that 50 per cent of Oyo State Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) is being lost to untapped tourism development.

    The monarch, while speaking during a press briefing, said that the role of tourism development in the nation could not be over-emphasised.
    He noted that his vision was to create a veritable platform aimed at placing Iyake Festival as a convergence where sporting activities, tourism, entertainment, arts and business potentials would be explored maximally.

    MEANWHILE, the Agro Ranger Team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has dislodged herders at Aroro Kole along Igbo Oloyin in Akinyele Local Council of Oyo State after a distress call from the community.

    The state’s Commandant of the agency, Iskilu Akinsanya, who disclosed the arrest, yesterday, said one of the herders, Babangida Musa (21), was arrested after a serious search for the herders at the location where over 400 cows were seen grazing around the community. He, however, assured the people of Aroro Kole of their safety, warning hoodlums to steer clear of the state.

  • Okowa, Makinde bar policemen from engaging #EndSARS protesters

    Okowa, Makinde bar policemen from engaging #EndSARS protesters

    Governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Seyi Makinde of Delta and Oyo States has ordered officers of the Nigerian Police Force under their State Command to refrain from engaging or using brute force on #EndSARS protesters.

    Makinde addressed Oyo security chiefs on Monday, stating that citizens had a right to protest.

    He said; “The past few days have been of grief for the people of Oyo State. I cannot imagine the pain and frustration of the parents and families of those who have died or are hospitalized as a result of the actions of the Nigeria Police Force during this #ENDSARS protest.

    “We have agreed that the police should take a backseat as other security agencies take the front line in securing the lives of protesters at this time.

    “Therefore we have deployed members of Operation Burst to the hot spot especially Ogbomosho to ensure that as people protest, they will not be harassed or brutalised.”

    While Governor Ifeanyi urged for peace through his official Twitter account.

    ‘Peaceful protests are a necessary part of the democratic process. As young people across Delta State continue to express their legitimate grievances in this manner, I ask that they remain calm and law-abiding at all times.’

    ‘I also request that the Police allow them to express themselves and refrain from using brute force in responding to these protests.’

    ‘Going forward, we shall continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to reform the Nigeria Police Force in a manner that makes it more professional, disciplined, and accountable to the people’ Okowa concluded.

  • One killed, seven injured in Ogbomoso #EndSARS protest – Makinde

    One killed, seven injured in Ogbomoso #EndSARS protest – Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday confirmed the killing of a protester in the #EndSARS protest held in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    The governor who identified the dead protester as Jimoh Isiaka said seven other persons were injured during the protest on Saturday.

    Makinde disclosed this in a series of tweets on Saturday.

    According to reports, Isiaka was shot by one of the men of the Nigeria Police Force while attempting to disperse the protesters.

    However, the Oyo State Police Command denied killing Isiaka, claiming that its men only fired teargas at the protesters.

    It was gathered that Isiaka had been buried according to Islamic rites.

    The governor identified two of the seven injured protesters as Abdulrasaq Olawale and Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi.

    He tweeted, “I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of one of our children, Jimoh Isiaka, who was shot during the #ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso. He later died at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today (Saturday).

    “Also, at this same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

    “This situation is highly regrettable. I have contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing.

    “I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

    The governor also ordered an investigation into the death of Isiaka, promising that he would pay a personal visit to the deceased family.

    He added, “The #ENDSARS protests are a strong indicator of a systemic failure. It is a failure on the part of those who have been constitutionally empowered to protect the citizens.

    “It again calls into question why State Governors are called Chief Security Officers of their state whereas, they do not have the necessary powers to control the police force.

    “I will be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and I promise to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.

    “Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.

    “I call on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm. I also call on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted.

    “Again, I express my deepest sympathies to the family of Jimoh Isiaka, may his soul rest in peace.”

  • Makinde reacts to reports of spending Oyo funds on PDP assignments in other states

    Makinde reacts to reports of spending Oyo funds on PDP assignments in other states

    Mr Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, has denied allegation that his boss has been spending the state’s resources on politics in other states

    A statement issued by Moses Alao, Makinde’s Special Assistant on Print Media, indicated that Adisa said this during a radio programme in Ibadan on Saturday.

    Adisa maintained that Makinde has been spending the state’s resources to benefit the people of the state, contrary to insinuations that the governor has been spending Oyo State’s money on politics in other states.

    “There is no truth in the claim that Gov. Makinde has been spending the state’s resources on politics in other states.

    “This is why a lot of efforts have been going into turning around the infrastructure of the state across health, education and other sectors.

    “The Makinde administration’s innovative project funding approach is bringing about an ongoing massive turnaround in the infrastructure deficit of the state, notwithstanding the global setback occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The introduction of the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA) by the Makinde administration, which allows contractors to raise funds to execute critical infrastructure, while the state pays at a later period, has enabled the state to substantially bridge the worrisome infrastructural deficit it inherited in 2019.” Adisa explained.

    He said the criticisms coming from the opposition party in the state over volumes of loans or planned bond issuance were needless and mere distractions.

    Adisa added that the state government could not fold its arms “and say that because there is COVID-19 it would not plan for the future of the state.”

    He stated that infrastructure projects, including the ongoing 21 kilometre Ajia-Airport road, remodelling of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, as well as construction of four transport interchanges, among others, were parts of the innovative plans of the administration to turn things around and expand the economy.

    Adisa said that the processes of getting the bond were ongoing, saying that government has not collected any amount.

    He added that every kobo that would be borrowed “is tied to infrastructural development and they are highlighted at every point in time.”

    On the ongoing remodelling of the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, in spite of limited attendance at stadiums due to COVID-19 pandemic, Adisa said that the Makinde administration was already looking beyond the pandemic and planning for the future.

    “Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, built stadium in the 1950s, at that time, the population of Oyo state should be under 2 million and then, the people did not ask if the stadium was a priority.

    “Some 44 years ago, Adamasingba Stadium was built and allowed to go to ruins. How do you prepare for tomorrow when you leave today in ruins?

    “It is because we are preparing for tomorrow that we don’t want to allow COVID-19 to keep the world down longer than necessary anymore; that we want to build youth and investment capacity.

    “And all that; to make sure we have a thriving stadium that we can use to pull out the energy of our youths once again in all aspects of sports so that they can compete nationally and internationally,” he stated.

    Speaking on the establishment of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency, Adisa revealed that work had reached an advanced stage.

    According to him, the state government had instituted a painstaking process to search for persons of impeccable integrity to man key positions in the agency, which would commence operations soon.

  • Makinde urges Ondo voters not to fall for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential agenda

    Makinde urges Ondo voters not to fall for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential agenda

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday tackled the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over his take that Ondo electorates should reelect Governor Rotimi Akeredolu if they want the presidency to rotate to South West in 2023.

    Recall that Tinubu had during a meeting with the traditional rulers during the kickoff of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s re-election campaign last Saturday said that ensuring that the APC wins Ondo governorship poll will brightens South-West’s quest to produce Nigeria’s next president.

    “I want to implore all traditional rulers to endorse Akeredolu and work for his re-election. His re-election is in the interest of the people of Ondo State and Yoruba land at large. As the ruling party at the federal level, we should allow continuity in Ondo State,” the former Lagos State Governor said while emphasizing that allowing the opposition to win the state would not brighten the chances of Southwest claim to the 2023 presidential ticket of APC.

    But in an obvious reply to the former governor during the flag off of the Peoples Democratic Party’s campaign at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, the Ondo state capital on Saturday, Makinde said the Ondo election is not about the Yoruba’s bid for the 2023 presidency.

    “They (APC) said you should vote them because they want Presidency to come to Yoruba land. This election is not about the presidency to Yoruba land. This election is about delivering Eyitayo Jegede and putting Ondo state as part of the states that will lead the charge to restructure Nigeria,” the Oyo State Governor who is the chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Ondo governorship election said.

    He also boasted that the PDP will defeat APC in the October 10 election just as he did in Oyo State in the 2019 gubernatorial election.

    “We have people, and we have God. In Ondo State, you have God and you have people. It happened in Oyo state, it will happen here,” the Governor said.

    Speaking in the same vein, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State asked the people of Ondo State to reject APC, claiming that party is not a choice for them.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of the party’s flag to Jegede by the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus.

    The event was attended by many members and leaders of the party across the country.

  • PDP Crisis: I’ll fight you if you come to Ekiti, Fayose warns Makinde

    PDP Crisis: I’ll fight you if you come to Ekiti, Fayose warns Makinde

    Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, has warned Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, against tampering with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti.

    Fayose said he was ready to fight anyone, who wants to take over the structure of the party in the state from him.

    He disclosed this on Wednesday when he led national delegates of the PDP including the chairmen of the party in Osun, Ekiti, Lagos to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    He said, “There has been a reasonable cold war of who and who becomes the executive of the zone. Governor Makinde has demanded that the zonal executive be sacked and a caretaker be fostered on the zone which the party did.

    “But, since the caretaker committee came into being, he has not allowed them to function because he produced the chairman.

    “Beyond that, the fact that there is a sitting governor does not say I should go to another man’s state. Nobody should come to my state; if you come to my state, I will face you squarely.

    “I will continue to respect him because he is my brother, I love him so much and I was part of his emergence.”

  • Ex-Oyo Gov, Akala replies Makinde for calling opposition ‘charlatans’

    Ex-Oyo Gov, Akala replies Makinde for calling opposition ‘charlatans’

    A former governor of Oyo State and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Adebayo Alao-Akala, has advised the incumbent Seyi Makinde against abusing or using foul language for his predecessors in any circumstance.

    Akala gave the advice in an interview with reporters at the empowerment programme of Sen. Fatai Buhari in Iseyin on Friday. The lawmaker distributed vehicles, motorcycles, laptops, start-up capital and other items worth about N120 million to his constituents in the 13 local governments of the Oyo North Senatorial District.

    While inaugurating the Light-Up Oyo State project in Ogbomoso on Wednesday, Makinde had stressed that his administration was delivering on its campaign promise to use the state’s resources to impact the people of the state. Judging by his administration’s achievements, the governor took a swipe at the opposition and vowed that “charlatans” would no longer govern Oyo State.

    But when asked to respond to Makinde’s attack, Alao-Akala said: “I don’t believe he said that. If he said that, he is making a mistake. You don’t address your predecessors as charlatans. You don’t do that. It is unstatesmanlike. You just have to talk like a statesman that he is going to be after he must have left office.

    “You would see the way we have been addressing him. None of us who has been in that office before has ever addressed him that he is not doing very well. He is doing his best. The best may not be enough for the people. When it is time for campaign, we will campaign. But don’t use that word ‘charlatan.’ It was unstatesmanlike for him to use.”

    Sen. Buhari explained that he embarked on the mega empowerment for the third time because it is a direct dividend of democracy for the people. The lawmaker added that since he started four years ago, he has seen many beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed by the work tools and start-up capital.

    The items include 20 cars, 270 motorcycles, 100 laptops, 600 grinding machines, 250 sewing machines, cash support of N20,000 for 100 widows, 100 elders and the vulnerable, N20,000 cash bursary for 100 students, N100,000 start-up capital each for 10 youths and N10,000,000 for various community projects.

    At the programme were APC State Chairman, Akin Oke, and top party leaders including a former deputy governor, Iyiola Oladokun, and Sen. Teslim Folarin. The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was represented by Dr. Yunus Akintunde.

  • Makinde sacks works commissioner, redeploys two others

    Makinde sacks works commissioner, redeploys two others

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sacked the Commissioner for Works, Infrastructure, and Transport, Prof. Raphael Afonja, from his position.

    Governor Makinde, in a letter dated August 10, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the termination of appointment takes immediate effect.

    The letter titled, ‘Termination of appointment’, read in parts, “I wish to convey the approval of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on the termination of your appointment as Honourable Commissioner, with immediate effect.

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    “Consequent upon the above development, you are hereby directed to hand over all the government items in your possession to the Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Transport).

    “I am to add that your contribution within the time of your sojourn is appreciated and commendable, and therefore, wish you success in your future endeavours. I thank you.”

    Meanwhile, the governor also approved the redeployment of two commissioners, who were asked to swap portfolios.

    An internal memo, signed by the SSG, titled, ‘Redeployment of EXCO members,’ indicated that the Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal, has been moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while his counterpart who was the Ministry, Funmilayo Orisadeyi, was moved to the Ministry of Special Duties.

    According to the memo, the redeployment takes immediate effect.