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Tag: Makinde

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Makinde orders reopening of praying grounds in Oyo

    Eid-el-Kabir: Makinde orders reopening of praying grounds in Oyo

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday ordered reopening of praying grounds for Muslims in the state for the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir prayers.

    Makinde in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, however, warned that Muslim faithful must ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols in the state.

    Makinde said that it has become imperative for the sake of public health and well being of all worshippers that the Eid prayers are conducted in strict compliance with the guidelines on prevention of COVID-19.

    He urged the leadership of each praying ground in the state to ensure the availability of handwashing points and compulsory use of nose masks.

    “As the Muslim Ummah prepare to undertake this year’s Eid-el-Kabir prayers, the Government of Oyo State wishes to advert Islamic clerics and leaders to the need to maintain strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols, especially the social distancing rule.

    “The Eid Praying Grounds across the state have, upon the directive of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, been opened to Muslims for the purpose of the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir prayers.

    “His Excellency reckons that prayers are important to overcome the challenges that presently assail us, especially the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “However, just like many aspects of our lives that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be an adjustment to Eid prayer gatherings.

    “There is the need to ensure that not more than 25 percent of worshippers are allowed at every instance in order to ensure compliance with the social distancing rule.

    “Similarly, let it also be noted that no worshipper should be allowed into the praying ground without face masks and readiness to wash hands with soap and water in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

    “To further ensure safety and ownership of the Covid-19 preventive measures, the Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, of the Oyo State Covid-19 Task Force, has sent advisories to major markets and shopping malls, on the need for strict compliance with Covid-19 preventive protocols during this festive period and beyond.

    “The EOC has also contacted all the health educators in the 33 LGAs in the state with a mandate to reach out to possible places of gathering and advise on the need for responsible behaviour, just as the centre has revved up risk communication advisories on radio.

    “In addition to these measures, however, all clerics and leaders are expected to take on the responsibility of guiding our people to pay attention to even the minutest detail on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this festivity.

    “The need to follow all laid down guidelines on COVID-19 prevention must be emphasized to every resident of the state at this period, in accordance with the Own Your Action initiative of the State’s COVID-19 Task Force, which emphasizes that our wellbeing and safety are individual responsibilities.

    “The Oyo State government wishes the Muslim Ummah a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir, filled with the blessings and benevolence of Almighty Allah.”

  • ‘Seyi Makinde can never ever come close to Ajimobi’s achievements’

    ‘Seyi Makinde can never ever come close to Ajimobi’s achievements’

    Fatima Ganduje-Ajimobi, who is married to late Isiaka Ajimobi’s son, Idris has taken a swipe at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

    According to the daughter of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Seyi Makinde can never surpass the achievements of the late ex-Governor Ajimobi.

    Fatima, who is SA to Speaker Gbajabiamila, said this in a tweet in response to a post by Nigerian activist Segun Awosanya aka Segalink on Monday.

    Awosanya had tweeted, “I don’t know how many people are glad to know that Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State cannot be guilt-tripped into endorsing a heist wrapped in emotions at the expense of the beleaguered people of Oyo State. I’m personally happy he saw through the shenanigans.”

    In her response, however, Fatima tweeted, “Lol. Face with tears of joy half-truth is dangerous sha! SM can never ever ever come close to Ajimobi. Not your mate!!!”

    Recall that the Ajimobi family has been engaged in a feud with the governor since the death of their patriarch last week.

    Ajimobi’s widow, Florence, had last week accused Makinde of abandoning the family, and being insensitive and refusing to condole with the family when Ajimobi died.

    The family had also accused the governor of refusing to give them the approval to bury their father on a parcel of land in Ibadan.

    Makinde had said the land in question was a subject of court litigation and thus could not allow Ajimobi to be buried there.

  • [Video] My husband deserves better, Ajimobi’s wife tackles Gov. Makinde

    Florence, widow of ex- Oyo Governor Abiola Ajimobi, has lashed out at Governor Seyi Makinde for how his government treated her husband in the last one month of his illness.

    The visibly angry widow denied ever contacting Makinde or anybody in government for any kind of support during the illness of her husband, which eventually resulted in his death.

    She also denied claim by the Governor the family to sent a proxy.

    She spoke while receiving a delegation of Governors who were at the Oluyole residence to commiserate with the family and pay their last respects.

    The delegation was led by the Oyo Deputy Governor, Mr Rauf Olaniyan.

    The former first lady, who acknowledged she was not supposed to talk, said she decided to break her silence since his husband fell ill about a month ago and died last Thursday because of misgivings emanating from the government.

    While appealing to the govenrment to stop what she described as dirty politics, she said her late husband was for peace and served the state for eight years making him deserve better treatment even in death.

    She said: “Although I should not be the one speaking but I just want to clear the air on a lot of misgivings that has been spreading.

    “On behalf of my late husband, children and the entire Ajimobi’s family, I want to sincerely thank you for all your support at this very crucial point of our lives.

    “My husband is not a very difficult man but thank God we are here today. For me, when things like this happen, I want to pick up something. It is a time for everyone of us to reflect on our lives because death is a necessary end. It will come when it will come. We don’t know who is next and we don’t know when our time will come.

    “Either you are a Christian or a Muslim, both religions teach love and peace and I am glad that the deputy Governor of Oyo State is here because I need to put some records straight. It is the first time I’m going to make any public announcement or statement since my husband actually died.

    “I opened the papers a couple of days ago and I saw the Oyo State Government writing a lot of things.

    “Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, for the avoidance of misinformation to the public and damage to the image of my husband because my husband is a peace- loving person. He lived for peace passionately.

    “My husband took ill on the 22nd of May and he was hospitalised and I was reading in the papers that the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, claimed he called me. But he didnt.”

    Referring to the Deputy Governor, she said “I don’t have your number and I have never spoken with you on phone. But it’s important we put the records straight because this is a family of politicians and I don’t want anybody to tarnish my husband’s name and well my husband is gone. It could be me or anyone else tomorrow.

    “Life in itself is vanity upon vanity. Either you are PDP or APC, the man is dead and he has been buried.

    “But the Governor didn’t call me. Even if he had called me and I didn’t pick his calls, I don’t have his number and I have never spoken with him on the phone. He could have sent me a text message for record purposes.

    “And then today again, I read in the papers and saw how the Ajimobi’s family was lying about something again

    “Mr Deputy, my husband never had anything against the Governor or anyone else. We were in different parties but he was an elder stateman and he slept on the ground.

    “The Governor of Oyo State never called me nor sent a condolence message, my husband was hospitalised for one month. What politics are we playing, please?

    “Life is short, I’m a Christian and my husband is a Muslim, we all should let the fear of God guide us in whatever we are doing. Ajimobi is gone today. Whatever he does doesn’t matter to me. It doesn’t matter to me as his wife and his widow. I’m going to mourn and respect my husband’s wishes and that was what I did today, laid him to rest peacefully.

    “I don’t want any controversy. Everything I read in the papers, I just swallowed them all and let it go. So, please, the press are here, we never had any rift with the Governor with the state government. I never dialogued with them. I never contacted them nor sent them a word because I didn’t know it was necessary for me to send official messages that my husband was hospitalised.

    “I didn’t send messages to Governor Fayemi. I didn’t send to Governor Ganduje. I didn’t send to Lagos State Governor, I didn’t send messages to anybody because it was all over the social media and they knew that my husband was ill.

    “I think the least anybody can do as a God- fearing person was at least to send me a word of encouragement at that time. And even after he died. Not even you Mr Deputy Governor called. If you had called me as you claimed and I didn’t pick, you could have at least sent me a message Sir.

    “I don’t have your number, I am the wife of a politician, I don’t pick numbers that I don’t know Sir. You can send a message. Everybody is going to die. My husband is dead and he served this state for eight good years.

    “Are you saying he didn’t contribute anything to this state and you could not honour him for a second? The man is dead and I need to put the record straight. I don’t want anybody, any government to tarnish my husband’s image. He was a peace loving man. And he played his role and he’s gone.”

    “Nobody can be on the stage for so long. You come, play your roles and you leave. Somebody else comes. I pray for Governor Seyi Makinde to succeed because that is the only time I would say that my husband succeeded.

    “So, please let’s put the record straight. I never had any interactions with Governor Seyi Makinde, he did not contact the family and that is the fact. His deputy Governor is here, he did not even send me a text message and I don’t have your number and I don’t pick calls from numbers that I don’t know. So, please let’s stop dirty politics.”

    The quick intervention of Kano Governor Umar Ganduje, who quickly called for prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Governor, put the matter to rest.

  • Three Oyo excos test positive for COVID-19

    Three Oyo excos test positive for COVID-19

    Three members of the Oyo State Executive Council have tested positive for coronavirus.

    Only three turned positive after all members of the state exco went through tests.

    Governor Seyi Makinde, who made the disclosure on his social media handle, said two other results were inconclusive and would be retested.

    He assured that the affected Exco members have been contacted and contact tracing had begun while their offices have been closed ahead of being decontaminated.

    He warned residents not to mistake the government steps and efforts at re-opening the economy to mean that the virus has disappeared, adding that everyone must take actions to protect themselves and their families.

    The Governor said “Earlier today, we received COVID-19 confirmation tests for all members of the Oyo State Executive Council (EXCO).

    “Sadly, three tests came back positive, and two were inconclusive so they will need to be retested.

    “The Exco members have been contacted and contact tracing has begun. Also, their offices have been closed and will be decontaminated.

    “Let me reiterate that COVID-19 is still very much with us. That we are taking steps to re-open the economy, does not mean that the virus has disappeared. We must each take actions to protect ourselves and our families.

    “We must each own our actions and take preventive measures which include washing our hands with soap and water, wearing face masks whenever we are with other people and maintaining proper social distancing from others.

    “We also must not forget the various advisories the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has issued regarding what to eat to boost our immune systems. Sometimes, even after following all directives, we may still get the virus. When this happens, we need to have our bodies ready to fight this disease.

    “We all join in prayer for our colleagues who have come down with the coronavirus and wish them a speedy recovery.”

  • Be alive to your responsibilities- Makinde tells Monarch

    Be alive to your responsibilities- Makinde tells Monarch

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the newly-installed Okere of Saki land, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyeniyi, to be alive to his traditional duties by serving his subjects and protecting their interests.

    The governor, who spoke at the installation of Oba Oyeniyi, guaranteed Saki people that his administration is determined to complete ongoing projects in the area.

    He said new ones would be executed to show his love for Oke-Ogun indigenes.

    Makinde, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, urged monarchs to sustain their trust in his administration.

    He noted that supporting his government is the only means to enhance the drive for good governance that will engender peace, security, quality education, effective health care service delivery and sustainable value chain agriculture, which will attract foreign investors and bring forth a prosperous economy.

    Governor Makinde hailed the people of Saki land for their patience and civility for seven years after the demise of the late Okere, Oba Olarinre Olatoyese.

    Oba Oyeniyi enjoined the government to support farming, which is the occupation of Oke Ogun people.

    He said: “We appeal to the government to set up an eye clinic in Saki land because eye problem is one of the challenges our people are facing. We also want you to help us complete the dualisation of our road.”

  • Oyo discharges 64 COVID-19 patients

    Oyo discharges 64 COVID-19 patients

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday announced the discharge of no fewer than sixty-four patients of Coronavirus in the state.

    Makinde noted that the 64 patients were discharged after they received their second negative test results.

    The Governor who doubles as Chairman of the COVID-19 task force in the state made this declaration in a series of tweets on his verified Twitter account Friday morning.

    With the 64 discharged patients, Makinde noted that the number of discharged patients has increased to 176 in the state.

    Makinde said, “64 confirmed COVID-19 cases have received their second NEGATIVE test results and have been discharged. This brings the number of discharged cases in Oyo State to 176.

    He added that thirty-six new cases have been confirmed in the state.

    Makinde added that the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in the state has risen to 434.

    He said, “Also, the COVID-19 confirmation tests for thirty-six suspected cases came back POSITIVE. So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State today is 434”

    Makinde added, “Community-based testing for COVID-19 has commenced in ten Local Government Areas across the state; Oluyole, Lagelu, Ibadan South East, Ibadan North, Ibadan South West, Oyo East, Itesiwaju, Ogbomoso South, Ibarapa North and Saki East. Details as shown on the card above.

    Makinde while speaking further urged anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 to visit a community- based testing center.

  • Why we can’t reopen schools, lift ban on religious activities in Oyo – Makinde

    Why we can’t reopen schools, lift ban on religious activities in Oyo – Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has given reasons why the state cannot reopen schools, worship centers for now.

    The governor said the ban will not be lifted without adequate advice from experts.

    He said such decision will be premised on positive risk situation analysis being carried out by experts.

    The Governor gave the hint while delivering his “State of the State Address” during a special plenary to commemorate the first year anniversary of the Ninth House of Assembly.

    The session, which was also attended by top government functionary, was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

    Makinde said: “For this same reason, we have held off from reversing our directive on religious gatherings. We saw what happened when a private organisation did not follow the advisories we provided to the letter.

    “Over 50 percent of COVID-19 cases in Oyo State can be traced to this organisation. So, I take this opportunity to again plead with our religious leaders to be patient with us. We are keeping our eyes on the numbers and will adjust this directive at the right time.”

  • Children’s Day: Makinde charges Oyo children to be good ambassadors

    Children’s Day: Makinde charges Oyo children to be good ambassadors

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has felicitated with children in the state on the occasion of the 2020 Children’s day.

    The governor, who spoke through the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, prayed for God’s protection on all children in the state.

    The governor charged children to be good ambassadors of the state and their parents.

    He also urged them to shun evil vices and be of good behaviour so that they can have a brighter future.

    He said, “I felicitate with the children of Oyo State and children all over the world on this auspicious occasion of Children’s Day celebration.

    “Children’s Day is an event celebrated in many places across the world. The day is simply set to honour children and minors.

    He lamented that the current reality caused by the COVID-19 outbreak impeded any funfair the state government might have planned for them.

    “We sincerely love you, but in the face of the present situation of COVID-19 in the country, it is impossible to gather for celebrations”.

    “As we pray for God’s protection, may we all live to witness and celebrate 2021 Children’s day and beyond, in good health, peace and progress in every area of our lives”, he prayed.

    He reassured children of government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise of a better and prosperous future for children through free and quality education.

    The governor said the task of training up a child should not be left to government alone.

    He, therefore, called on parents to play significant roles in sharpening the future of their children and wards.

  • Oyo Assembly approves Makinde’s request to borrow N22.bn

    Oyo Assembly approves Makinde’s request to borrow N22.bn

    Oyo State House of Assembly has granted the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to borrow N20billion to fix infrastructure in the state.

    The loan termed contractor financing loan facility is to be sourced from the First Bank of Nigeria PLC.

    The House also approved the request of the governor to access another N2.5billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) credit support intervention fund for the health sector.

    Makinde sought the approval of the lawmakers in two letters of request forwarded to the Assembly and read during plenary yesterday by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

    The governor noted that the N20billion loan became imperative in view of the dwindling revenue accruable to the state from the Federation Account and the drop in Internally Generated Revenue due to Covid-19 pandemic.

    According to the request, if accessed, the money will be used to fund and support priority projects to boost economic activities.

    On the N2.5billion CBN credit support intervention fund, Governor Makinde said the money would be used to revamp the health care facilities, manage the Covid-19 pandemic and promote other health initiatives of his administration.

    The Speaker said the House approved the requests of the governor in view of the importance the present administration attached to infrastructural development, especially the construction and rehabilitation of roads and other social amenities, as well as the need to upgrade health facilities to combat Coronavirus and other health challenges.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr. Muhammad Fadeyi, reacting to the requests, hailed the government for managing the affairs of the state despite the myriads of economic, social, security and health challenges confronting the nation.

    He said the loan would help the government in achieving its goals.

    Majority Leader Mr. Sanjo Adedoyin and Minority Leader Mr. Asimiyu Alarape, who moved and seconded the motions, said that the requests could not have come at a more appropriate time than now, to enable the government finance some infrastructural development projects as well as address Covid-19 pandemic.

    Moving the motion in favour of the loan, the legislators urged the government to ensure that all zones of the state benefit in terms of improved infrastructure.

    Alarape said that he supported the loan request because it was not to pay salaries, noting that there was apparent deficit in infrastructural facilities across the state.

    At the plenary, Makinde sent another letter asking the Assembly to confirm Mrs. Aderonke Aderemi as President, Customary Court of Appeal.

    She is to appear at plenary for screening and confirmation on May 28.

    Also presented during the plenary was another letter seeking the confirmation of members of the Civil Service Commission.

    Nominated as Chairman of the commission is Kamorudeen Aderibigbe. Kolajo Isiak, Toyin Akanmu, Solomon Ogunjinmi and Taiwo Oluwagbemiro are to serve as members. The nominees are also billed for confirmation next Thursday.

    Following a report by Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Oluwafowokanmi Oluwafemi, the bill for the renaming of Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa as Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa was passed into law.

    Disturbed by the menace of indiscriminate parking of trailers on the highways, the Assembly asked the Bureau of Investment Promotion and Private Partnership and Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to ensure the construction of trailer parks in strategic areas of the state.

    The motion, moved by Mr. Seyi Adisa representing Afijio Constituency, asked the executive arm to engage investors in public/private partnership basis to build the trailer parks.

    Adisa had bemoaned gridlock, abandoned vehicles on the road and accidents on the intra-state highways occasioned by indiscriminate parking of vehicles.

    Besides having a place where vehicles can park, he noted that the state would also improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by erecting such trailer clusters.

  • Why we can’t relax ban on religious gathering now – Makinde

    Why we can’t relax ban on religious gathering now – Makinde

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says ban on religious gathering in the state can not be relaxed now due to advice from medical experts that COVID-19 transmission occurs more easily in enclosed places.

    Makinde made the explanation on Monday during the briefing by the state Task Force on COVID-19, at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

    The governor said that he had received request from some religious leaders to relax the ban so that religious services could hold.

    “Experts’ advice is that we can not, at this point in time, relax the directive.

    “However, they (experts) are carrying out a situation analysis and will be sending in their reports before the end of May.

    ” This will determine our next step,” he said.

    On the confirmation of 38 COVID-19 cases in an organisation in Ibadan in the last two days, Makinde said the task force withheld the name of the organisation so as to allow the Emergency Operations Centre to gather intelligence and complete investigation.

    He said the identity of the organisation would be revealed on Tuesday, “so that those who had visited the company recently will be able to present themselves for testing”.

    On management of COVID-19 cases, Makinde said the task force would continue to allow confirmed cases who were isolating at home to do so, in order not to overrun the capacity of isolation centres.

    He said the task force would, however, keep tracking those self-isolating through the use of technology, to prevent spread.

    He further said that the task force would ensure that the state isolation centres would be available for those who would need hospitalisation.

    Giving advisory on foods and natural products useful as preventive measures against COVID-19 and other viral illnesses, Makinde urged the people to eat bitter cola, tumeric, ginger, garlic, zinc and citrus fruits as well as bitter leaves.

    He said all the items were readily available in “our environment”, but emphasised that the items were not cure or treatment for COVID-19.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 11 new cases reported on Sunday night brought the total number of COVID-19 confirmed in the state to 118.