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Tag: Oyo

  • Ajimobi dares Court, says LG election will hold as scheduled

    Ajimobi dares Court, says LG election will hold as scheduled

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State says the May 12 local government election will hold in the state as scheduled inspite of a court ruling stopping it in some wards.

    The governor gave the assurance in Ibadan at a rally held at the party’s state secretariat.

    Recall that a Federal High Court in Ibadan had on Wednesday stopped the conduct of the poll in some wards created by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

    Five persons from Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government Area had approached the court to seek an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the local government election in the state from holding.

    Justice J.O Abdulmalik of the court had in his ruling stopped the conduct of the election in the affected wards pending the determination of the substantive case and had adjourned hearing till May 28.

    But Ajimobi said that the election would hold in all the wards across the state, including the disputed ones.

    He said the ruling did not in any way stop the scheduled council poll.

    Ahead of the APC congress scheduled to commence on Saturday from the ward level, Ajimobi also called for unity among party members in the state.

    The governor stated that the only way to have a strong and formidable party was when members work together in harmony for the party.

    “ You all should go back to your respective wards and work together.

    “Where you are pleased with the present executives, you can return them and where consensus on such is not reached, let the interested parties go to the field.

    “We won’t tolerate crisis and anyone who dares do such will be handed over to the police,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the APC congress in the state was coming at a time the party was battling with internal wrangling within it.

    The rally was attended by executives of the party, political leaders as well as members of the party from across the 33 local governments in the state.

  • [PHOTOS] Late Oyo Speaker, Michael Adeyemo laid to rest

    [PHOTOS] Late Oyo Speaker, Michael Adeyemo laid to rest

    The remains of the late Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo, was on Thursday interred at his hometown in Lanlate, Ibarapa East area of Oyo State, amidst tears and eulogies.

    Adeyemo, who represented the Ibarapa East State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, was sworn in as Speaker of the House on June 12, 2015.

    He died on Friday in Ibadan at the age of 47. A funeral service was held in his honour in Lanlate before the interment.

    After a special session and lying-in-state was held in his honor, Adeyemo’s body began its final journey as it left Ibadan for Lanlate on Wednesday.

    The body was received by thousands of sympathisers who had gathered to pay the late Speaker a final honour.

  • [JUST IN] Court stops conduct of Oyo council poll

    [JUST IN] Court stops conduct of Oyo council poll

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday stopped the conduct of the planned Oyo State local government election, which was scheduled to be held on May 12.

    The court stopped the poll after it delivered its ruling in a case instituted by some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state over the creation of wards.

    Details soon…

  • International Day of Forest 2018: Oyo to sanction illegal tree felling

    International Day of Forest 2018: Oyo to sanction illegal tree felling

    As the world celebrated the 2018 International Day of Forest (IDF), the Oyo State Government has warned members of the public to desist from illegal tree felling and indiscriminate bush burning.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Prince Oyewole Oyewumi gave this warning while declaring open 2018 International Day of Forest (IDF), held at Methodist Grammar School, Bodija area, Ibadan, saying that offenders shall be punished accordingly

    Prince Oyewumi, speaking through the Special Adviser on Agriculture to Governor Ajimobi, Prof. Adetokunbo Adekunle noted that the importance of trees in our society cannot be over-estimated, explaining that environment without availability of trees is prone to hazard and it is advisable for all to plant at least a tree so as to ensure a greener environment.

    He stated that the present administration in the State has restored all depleted forests through collaboration with the local and foreign investors to ensure afforestation, stressing that government has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the private investors on the need for reforestation of the degraded forest reserves which is yielding positive result.

    The Commissioner explained that the degraded forests were as a result of illegal felling, disclosing that government has placed surveillance on the forest reserves to apprehend those who are involved in the illegal act.

    While planting the trees to commemorate 2018 International Day of Forest, Prince Oyewumi, however, called on all and sundry to imbibe tree planting, adding that planting of trees is now necessary in order to achieve greener, healthier, happier and sustainable environment.

    In his lecture with the theme “Forest for Sustainable Cities”, the Patron of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) forest Centre, Dr. David Oladiipo explained that every 21st of March has been set aside to celebrate the International Day of Forest by the United Nations (UN) due to the importance of tree to humanity which cannot be over emphasized, noting that deforestation in Africa as a result of inadequate sensitization and awareness is making the environment dryer.

    Dr. Oladiipo, maintained that afforestation is a collective responsibility as the government cannot do it alone and consequently called on the State government to implement a policy at which approval must be given before land can be cleared.

    He also enjoined the School principals to inaugurate Young Forester and Tree Clubs among the students.

    In her own speech, the Director, Federal Comptroller of Environment, Oyo State, Mrs Aina Adetola called on the State Government to place more priority on the forest reserves, noting that majority of the forest are becoming degraded because of illegal felling.

     

  • Ajimobi appoints ex-UNILAG VC, Ibidapo-Obe as Chairman Tech-U Governing Council

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has appointed Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, as the pioneer Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Technical University, Ibadan (Tech-U).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibidapo-Obe was a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    Ibidapo-Obe’s appointment is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Secretary to the State Government in Ibadan on Thursday.

    Alli listed other council members of the university as Mrs Ibukun-Oluwa Awosika, the Chairman, First Bank Nigeria Plc, Abimbola Sangodoyin, a Professor of Agriculture Engineering at the University of Ibadan and Dr Tunji Olaopa, the Executive Vice-Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy.

    Also on the council are Mr Doye Ayoola, an oil magnate; Mr Jacob Ajekiigbe, a former Managing Director of FBN and Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership, UI.

    Others are Dr Adetona Oladejo of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, UNILAG and Dr Mariam Abdulraheem-Mustapha of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin.

    “The Technical University’s mission is to cultivate a cadre of technical professionals with requisite entrepreneurial skills capable of creating jobs and employment.

    “It is committed to the efficient and responsible use of science, technology, engineering and innovation in solving societal problems.

    “While congratulating and urging them to consider their appointment as a call to service, the governor expects them to discharge their duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and in line with government’s vision for the university,” Ali said.

    NAN reports that the institution had started academic activities.

  • Herdsmen ambush, stab ASP to death in Oyo

    Herdsmen ambush, stab ASP to death in Oyo

    Suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed the Officer-in-charge of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in Saki, Oyo State.

    The officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), whose name was not disclosed by the Command, was said to have been macheted to death by the suspected Fulani herdsmen during an operation in a forest around Saki-Ogboro Road in Oke Ogun.

    The incident is coming barely two weeks after the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, and other top officers held a stakeholders meeting to address crises between farmers and herdsmen.

    The meeting, held at the Eleyele Headquarters of the Command in Ibadan.

    According to a source, who pleaded anonymity, a combined team of police officers and SARS operatives arrested some suspected Fulani herdsmen on the ground of disturbing public peace a day earlier, but the men were ambushed by another gang of herdsmen during another attempt to arrest two other suspects.

    The development has led to fear in Saki and its environs.

    Police spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu, who confirmed the incident said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the death of the officer.

     

  • BOI commits N20bn to SMIs expansion in Oyo

    The Bank of Industry (BOI) has disbursed N18bn, out of the N20bn intervention fund meant to enhance the expansion of the small and medium-scale industries in Oyo State.

    The Managing Director, BOI, Mr. Olukayode Pitan, disclosed this when he led the management team on a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at his office, in Ibadan, on Tuesday.

    Given its size and comparative advantage, he said that Oyo State was in a vantage position to contribute hugely to the quest by the bank to reposition the country’s economy through the empowerment of SMIs.

    Pitan explained that industrial concerns were the beneficiaries of the N18bn already disbursed, stressing that the N2bn balance was meant for other beneficiaries who were yet to access the fund.

    He said, “Oyo State is very dear to the heart of our organization due to its centrality to Lagos, which is an African commercial nerve center and for the rest of the country. So, we are supporting a lot of industries in Oyo State.

    “Out of the N20 billion approved for the state, N18 billion had been disbursed to beneficiaries in the SMIs. The balance of N2bn is yet to be disbursed. This gesture is solely because of the importance of Oyo State as the gateway between Lagos, and the Southern and Northern Nigeria.

    “The giant stride of the current administration in Oyo State is obvious to all in the areas of physical infrastructure, urban renewal and industrialization. You are a builder and we want to build Oyo State with you.”

    In his response, the governor called on the bank to look closely at the possibility of funding the emerging technological hub in the state, as well as agriculture due to the pivotal roles the governor said both could play in making the state another commercial haven.

    Ajimobi said that the state lost its commercial glory over a period of time due to the negligence of the SMIs by successive administrations, adding that his administration was working round the clock to revamp the economy of the state.

    He said, “The position of Oyo State in geographical, historical and commercial dominance in the past was overtaken by other states due to the neglect of SMIs. But, since our coming we have been working hard to harness the potential of the state in order to restore the lost glory.

    “The present development in Oyo State was premised on security, social infrastructure and industrialization. We believe in using technology to turn things around. This is why we established the Free Trade Zone, Technical University and other technical corridors.

    “This is the area we believe your bank’s intervention is mostly needed and useful. Lack of middle-level manpower in Nigeria, which has become an economic albatross, is where your bank can come in and assist investors.

    “Also, in the area of agriculture Oyo State is known to be a major producer of cashew nuts. Today, agriculture is the only venture in which political office holders are also allowed to invest, according to the constitution. So, we want you to devote more funds to this as well.”

  • Defection of Alao-Akala, Folarin, others to APC mark end of PDP in Oyo state – Tinubu

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday in Ibadan declared the death of opposition parties in Oyo State.

    Tinubu made the declaration during a mega rally at the ancient Mapo Hall, while receiving former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; and hosts of others into the APC.

    Among the defectors were: Senator Brimoh Yusuf, Chief Ayodele Adigun, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Hon. Dokun Odebunmi, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Chief Olanrewaju Otiti, Rauf Olaniyan and Funke Adesiyan.

    The APC National Leader was joined by Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) to receive the defectors.
    The event coincided with the 68th birthday of Ajimobi.

    Tinubu said: “Today is very important because of the governor’s birthday.

    “I really thank God for my friend, Alao-Akala, and others for joining the APC.

    “I also thank God for Folarin and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja too.

    “This APC house is great for all of us.

    “I am confident that today’s massive defection into the APC has finished opposition parties in Oyo State.

    “We are happy to have you in and we are proud of our party.”

    The former Lagos State governor said the APC was the only progressive party in Nigeria and Africa, urging the people to vote APC in the 2019 election.

  • 2019: Ajimobi’s deputy, Adeyemo declares interest in governorship seat

    The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Moses Adeyemo has indicated interest to succeed his boss and incumbent, Governor Abiola Ajimobi come 2019.

    The Governor, at a public function, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, while commending the deputy for his loyalty had jokingly asked if he would want to be the next governor, to which the deputy governor gladly replied in the affirmative.

    But while making his intention known to the All Progressive Congress party leaders at the state party secretariat, the deputy governor said he decided to join the governorship race in view of his experience in governance, especially as a deputy governor in the last six years.

    According to him, Oyo state needs experience, God-fearing and quality leadership which Governor Ajimobi represents.

    Meanwhile, there have been agitations from some quarters that the governorship seat be zoned to the Oke Ogun axis of the state, an odd which is also in favour of Adeyemo.

    He said, “The governor has performed very well and there is need to continue his good and quality work. As a loyal party man who has been in the progressive fold all my life, from the days of the Action Group (AG), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and now the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    “ I have equally served the Progressive Parties in various capacities including Caretaker Chairman, Saki East local government, the State Treasurer and Financial Secretary respectively and now a two-term Deputy Governor.

    “I believe I am the most suitable candidate to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Mr. Quality) as the next governor of the State.”

    Adeyemo who however promised to abide by all rules and regulations of the party stressed the need to sustain the good legacy of Governor Ajimobi, particularly, the current peaceful atmosphere which he said has enabled the governor to record landmark achievements in the state.

    While receiving the guest in company of other party executives, the state party chairman, Chief Akin Oke lauded the deputy governor for joining the gubernatorial aspirants under the platform of the party, saying the party would decide whoever will become its flagbearer at the appropriate time.

    Assuring a level playing ground to all the aspirants, the party Chairman said aspirations was open to all eligible members of the party but that many who are being touted to be interested in the plum job have yet to show up at the party secretariat to indicate their interest.

  • Oyo commences demolition of dilapidated school structures

    Oyo commences demolition of dilapidated school structures

    Oyo State Government on Thursday in Ibadan commenced the demolition of dilapidated blocks of classrooms in its schools.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the state government begun the demolition exercise from Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) Primary School I, Mokola in Ibadan.

    Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said the demolition would allow for the classrooms’ rehabilitation and construction.

    Olowofela stated that the state government had earmarked the sum of N5.6 billion for the project in 200 dilapidated schools structures across the state.

    “Government has identified school structures that requires re-construction and rehabilitation, particularly some built in the 1950s with mud and cannot stand the test of time.

    “The state government has approved two billion for the construction and rehabilitation of 100 dilapidated secondary school structures while the remaining N3.6 billion will be used for primary schools,’’ he said.

    The commissioner stated that the state government was not only building capacities in education but also infrastructures like roads and model schools.

    Olowofela said that the model schools under construction across the state would be completed very soon.

    He said that the demolition exercise was at no cost to the state government.

    The commissioner added that the exercise was by contractors approved for the projects as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility.