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Tag: Oyo State

  • Makinde has right to oversee how LG funds are spent – Commissioner

    Makinde has right to oversee how LG funds are spent – Commissioner

    The constitutional provisions of the Oyo State Local Government Joint Account give Gov. Seyi Makinde the responsibility to oversee the spending of Local Government funds.

    The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Ademola Ojo, stated this in Ibadan on Monday during the inter-ministerial news briefing, organised by the governor’s media unit.

    According to Ojo, the constitutional provisions of the joint account saddled the state with the responsibility of overseeing the deployment of resources for projects, duties and responsibilities across councils.

    “A lot of people outside don’t really understand the relationship between the state government and the local governments in terms of finances.

    “This is a constitutional matter. The 1999 constitution (as amended) already states it.

    “The State-Local Government Joint Allocation Committee manages funds from the federation account.

    “It is between the state and the local governments, and the state has been saddled with the responsibility of disbursement.

    “The governor of the state is always the chairman of that committee. So, he has the responsibility of making decisions on how to manage the allocation coming from the federation account,” Ojo said.

    He declared that Makinde had ensured that the councils’ resources were judiciously spent for the benefit of the state’s residents.

    He maintained that local government councils had collaborated with the state government to participate in the construction of key projects across the 33 local government areas.

    The commissioner refuted claims and misconceptions that councils in the state had not done much.

    According to him, the state local governments have built several landmark infrastructure, health and educational facilities in the last two years.

    He added that the councils have also been making contributions in the area of education and human capital development by providing full scholarships to students of the state.

    The commissioner states that 429 indigent students are sponsored annually in various higher institutions within and outside the state.

    “Among the key projects undertaken by councils in the state under the year being reviewed are the rebuilding of the collapsed Olodo Bridge in Egbeda Local Government and the construction of the Farmers’ Market in Akinyele Local Government.

    “Others are the construction of the ultramodern Olubadan palace, the ongoing upgrading of 66 Primary Healthcare Centres, the rehabilitation of the 14-kilometre Eruwa-Maya Road and the rehabilitation of the 62-kilometre Igboora-Igangan-Iganna Road,” he said.

  • Makinde appoints new Deputy Chief of Staff

    Makinde appoints new Deputy Chief of Staff

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Mr Kazim Adeniyi as his new Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS).

    This follows the resignation of erstwhile DCOS, Mr Fola Oyekunle, who recently emerged as the PDP candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, slated for Aug. 16.

    The appointment was announced in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, in Ibadan on Monday.

    Makinde also approved the appointment of Mr Taiwo Salami as the new chairman of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Board after its dissolution.

    The letter further stated that the governor approved the appointment of Mr Kabiru Salami, a retired police officer, as the Executive Assistant (Security Coordination) to the Governor.

    “Makinde has also approved the appointment of Mr Waheed Adeniyi as the new chairman of the Oyo State Waste Management Authority.

    “The governor, while congratulating the new appointees, counselled them to see their appointments as a call to service,” the letter read.

    The appointments are with immediate effect.

  • Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo

    Police rescue 19 Ghanaians from human traffickers in Oyo

    The Police Command in Oyo State says it has rescued 19 Ghanaian victims of alleged trafficking through a targeted operation.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, made this known in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday.

    He said that the victims, who were young nationals from Ghana, comprise 14 men and five women.

    Osifeso said that investigation revealed that the victims had been lured to Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities.

    He said that they fell prey to a manipulative scheme by unknown perpetrators, who exploited them for financial gains.

    He further stated that the victims had provided critical information about their ordeals, which is currently aiding the ongoing investigations.

    “The investigation is based on credible intelligence related to suspicious activities at a building in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan, Oyo state.

    “The State Criminal Intelligence Department (CID), with the invaluable support of tactical command teams, executed a search warrant at the site, which had been securely locked from outside.

    “This operation led to the arrest of nineteen (19) individuals, comprising 14 men and five women, all young nationals from Ghana.

    “Following established protocols, the victims have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigations and to possibly reunite them with loved ones back in their country.

    “The Oyo State Police Command remains dedicated to uncovering the identities of those responsible for this alarming situation,” Osifeso said.

    He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities directly to the authorities.

  • Oyo police issues strong security warning

    Oyo police issues strong security warning

    The Police Command in Oyo State has alerted the public on the potential security risks associated with the upcoming Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity).

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, noted in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday that the confraternity, commonly known as the Black Axe Cult, celebrates the day every July 7.

    Osifeso noted that the command’s intelligence-led policing and community partnership efforts had yielded vital information, suggesting that rival gangs might engage in large-scale retribution and mayhem during the event.

    He said the command, as part of its proactive security measures, has conducted multiple sensitisation sessions on the proposed celebration with key stakeholders—hoteliers, lounge owners, and studio apartments operators.

    According to him, the sensitisation emphasised the importance of the stakeholders refusing to make their facilities available for hosting gatherings associated with cult groups known for violent activities.

    “Our intelligence suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use this occasion to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including reprisals against rival cult groups.

    “The safety of all residents remains our highest priority. We, therefore, call on parents, guardians, community leaders, and influential figures to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in mitigating these risks.

    “It is crucial to engage our youths in conversations about the dangers of cultism and the severe consequences of participating in violent or unlawful gatherings.

    “We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities, gatherings, or threats to the police.

    “To ensure swift response and maintain order, arrangements have been concluded for the deployment of police officers across strategic locations within the state during this period.

    “The police command reaffirms its dedication to peace, safety, and security through professional policing, leveraging advanced intelligence and technology,” he said.

  • Oyo Chief Judge frees 77 inmates

    Oyo Chief Judge frees 77 inmates

    The Chief Judge (CJ) of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, has granted freedom to 77 inmates of the Abolongo Correctional Facility in Oyo, Oyo State.

    The CJ, represented by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, freed the inmates during a prison visit to the facility on Tuesday.

    The inmates, who had separately been awaiting trial, had their cases, largely of capital offences, reviewed before their release.

    Some of the inmates were also granted freedom based on their health status, as some of them battled tuberculosis and kidney problems.

    Yerima remarked that the prison facilities were overstretched, hence the reason for the decongestion.

    According to her, the cases were deserving, hence the decision of the judiciary to exercise its discretion to get the inmates released.

    “We hope that the goal of getting this facility decongested would have been achieved at the end of this visit today. We will look into it and see how to make the visit on a regular basis,” she said.

    The CJ, however, congratulated the released inmates for the uncommon favour they received from God, urging them to show gratitude by not taking the opportunity for granted.

    “There is a reason God has intervened for you. Therefore, I want you to turn a new leaf, beginning from now.

    “Don’t go back to your way of sin and crime again, rather engage in a work possible for you and within your capabilities. May this liberty you have obtained today be for your good.

    “Also, go back to God and the people you offended to make peace with them,” Yerima said.

    Earlier, the Comptroller of Correction, Oyo State, CC Dare Opadeji, appreciated the visit, describing it as a long-awaited one by the inmates.

    Opadeji appealed to the CJ to make the visit more regular, suggesting monthly or quarterly visits.

  • Makinde told to cancel N63.5bn Govt House renovation

    Makinde told to cancel N63.5bn Govt House renovation

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Gov. Seyi Makinde to halt the N63.5 billion Government House renovation project recently approved by the State Executive Council.

    This is contained in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan on Sunday.

    The APC described the approved renovation project as wasteful, insensitive and gross misplacement of priorities.

    Recall that the state government had announced the approval of N63.5 billion for a comprehensive overhaul of the government house.

    It also approved N132 million for gardening purposes at the governor’s residence and N14.3 billion for the procurement of Instrument Landing System (ILS) for the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan.

    The APC accused the governor of disregarding the state’s economic realities as expressed by his obsession with lavish projects that would only benefit a few.

    It criticised the justification for the renovation project, noting that the government house was last refurbished in 2017 by the late former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and remained in good condition.

    The party also described the governor’s alleged plan to acquire two aircraft for aerial security monitoring as another dubious expenditure.

    According to the party, the aircraft may end up serving as a means for a few within the government to embezzle funds, rather than enhancing state security.

    The APC raised concerns over alleged contract splitting in the airport upgrade project.

    It stated that the government had earlier committed N10 billion, only to now approve additional N14.3 billion without transparency.

    “We watched as voices of reason across the globe condemned this latest waste of public funds.

    “Sadly, this is reminiscent of the governor’s previous extravagance, such as the controversial N2,100-per-copy exercise books scandal in 2019.

    “The administration continues to disregard the people’s needs in favour of white elephant projects,” it said.

  • Why I approved N63bn for Govt House renovation – Gov Makinde

    Why I approved N63bn for Govt House renovation – Gov Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confirmed that his administration has approved N63 billion for the complete overhaul of the State Government House.

    Makinde made the confirmation on Friday while addressing the Oyo State House of Assembly on its second anniversary.

    He attributed the high renovation cost to fluctuating foreign exchange rates, which he said are outside the state’s control.

    The governor said the responsibility for currency exchange rates lies solely with the Federal Government.

    Nonetheless, he assured that his administration will act in the state’s best interest, regardless of prevailing challenges.

    He said, “We are moving forward. When people see such big figures, they may ask, are we spending dollars here?”

    Makinde explained that significant imports are involved, even for constructing one kilometre of road, as Nigeria does not produce asphalt locally.

    He noted that Nigeria has the world’s second largest bitumen deposit, yet must still import materials.

    The governor said criticism is welcome, and his administration remains open to correction if it makes any mistake.

    Makinde also referred to a $200 million loan secured for the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project by the previous administration.

    He explained that monthly servicing of the loan rose from N700 million to N3 billion due to currency fluctuations.

    In spite of the financial burden, he said his government has achieved progress in security, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.

    Makinde revealed plans to acquire two aircraft for aerial surveillance and security operations across the state.

    He said the aircraft align with broader strategies to secure lives and property throughout Oyo State.

    The governor commended the 10th Assembly for its consistent support in delivering good governance to the people.

  • Oyo APC warns members against anti-party acts

    Oyo APC warns members against anti-party acts

    The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned its members against acts, meetings and utterances that could jeopardise the party’s 2027 ambition.

    This is contained in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan on Wednesday.

    The warning followed media reports on two unnamed APC leaders praising Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration, raising suspicions of covert ties with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    The APC declared zero tolerance for indiscipline, sabotage, and disloyalty, especially from members allegedly driven by selfish ambitions and short-sightedness.

    “But for selfishness and poor orientation borne out of indiscipline and myopia, no reasonable member of the APC would turn himself into a propaganda machinery for the current PDP administration,” it said.

    The party wondered why a chieftain would praise Makinde, accused of wasting enormous resources of the state on frivolities in the last six years.

    It found the personalities’ conduct within the party as highly reprehensible, hence saying it has had enough dose of sabotage, conspiracy and other acts of disloyalty from supposed members.

    “We are poised to wield the big stick against recalcitrant individuals whose goal is to see our party in disarray at every crucial time.

    “The Olayide Abas-led state executive and other stakeholders have done so much for reconciliation,” it said.

    The party said that any member trying to draw it back at a time when more eminent citizens were joining it in droves would be treated as an enemy of the state.

    “We have done our diligence and established that those who parade themselves as APC chieftains and are still working for the opposition in recent times have no reason to engage in such shameful acts.

    “But we would engage them as democrats since some schools of thought are of the opinion that they were either misinformed or misrepresented,” the party said.

    It says that every member of the party is expected to key into the Project 2027, aimed at wholly delivering Oyo State to the APC in the next general election.

  • Oyo to renovate Government House with N63.4bn

    Oyo to renovate Government House with N63.4bn

    The Oyo State Government has approved N63.4billion for the overhauling of the Government House structures.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement in Ibadan on Wednesday.

    According to Oyelade, the State Executive Council gave the approval during its weekly meeting on Tuesday in Ibadan.

    He described the current state and ambience of the government house as “an embarrassment and unbefitting facility”.

    ‎He observed that for the past six years, Gov. Seyi Makinde and his deputy, Bayo Lawal had been living in their personal houses instead of their official residences at the government house.

    ‎He said that the banquet hall at the government house would be completed before the state’s 50th anniversary in 2026.

    The commissioner further disclosed that the council also approved N14.2billion to process the installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at the Ladoke Akintola Airport Alakia.

    He said this is in fulfilment of government’s determination to upgrade the airport to an international standard.

    ‎According to the commissioner, the ILS technology ensures the smooth landing of aircraft especially in bad weather.

    ‎He explained that the instrument procured earlier by the Federal Government was damaged and the state has taken it upon itself to procure and install another one within six months.

    ‎He recalled that the airport upgrade project was officially flagged off on Sept. 18, 2024 and shut down in March 2025 to enhance work progress on the project.

  • 2027: Philanthropist AKK joins APC in Oyo

    2027: Philanthropist AKK joins APC in Oyo

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State received a major boost on Tuesday as Dr Adewale Kareem popularly known as AKK, formally joined the party.

    Kareem, accompanied by members of his support group, were received into the party at a carnival-like ceremony held at the State Party Secretariat in Ibadan.

    The event, described by many as a strategic step ahead of the 2027 governorship election, drew prominent party stalwarts and supporters from across the state.

    Among the dignitaries who welcomed the new entrant were a former Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; former State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; and the State Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite.

    The APC State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, who was on a national assignment, conveyed his goodwill message through the State Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, commending Kareem for taking the bold step to join the party.

    Abas encouraged other like-minded technocrats and professionals to emulate Kareem’s example, noting that the APC remained the most credible platform for promoting good governance and people-oriented development in Oyo State.

    Similary, Adeyemo described Kareem’s entry into the APC as a welcome development, saying the party needed vibrant and visionary individuals ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The former chairman, Oke expressed delight at the arrival of  Kareem into the party, noting that it was a bold and strategic step.

    Some leaders at the event, said that Kareem’s reputation as a philanthropist and technocrat would significantly enhance the party’s credibility among the electorate.

    Alhaji Bello Oladeji, Alhaji Mufutau Gbayawu and Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, lauded the entry of Kareem into the APC, describing it as a morale booster for the party’s rank and file.

    The leaders urged party faithful to remain united and focused, saying the addition of new forces like Kareem would give the APC a formidable edge in future elections.

    In his remarks, Kareem expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and members for the warm reception.

    He said that his decision to join the party was borne out of a genuine desire to serve the people of Oyo State.

    According to Kareem, the APC’s progressive agenda aligns with his vision for inclusive development, educational empowerment and sustainable growth.

    He assured his supporters of readiness to bring innovation, leadership, and people-first ideas into the political space.

    Also present were Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Sadare; Women Leader, Mrs. Tinuade Adigun; Youth Leader, Prince John Aremu; and Oyo North Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji.

    Other party faithful in attendance included Hon. Bosun Oladele, Hon. Samuel Egunjobi, Chief Adefisoye Adekanye, Chief (Mrs.) Adepeju Esan, Alhaji Rasheed Folarin, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, and Mrs. Mabel Williams.