Tag: Oyo

  • May Day: We’ll not delay action on new minimum wage – Makinde

    May Day: We’ll not delay action on new minimum wage – Makinde

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has assured workers that his administration will not delay in implementing the new minimum wage.

    Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday in his address at the 2024 May Day celebrations, held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, said notwithstanding new minimum wage, his government to fail in its promise of ensuring payment of salaries and pensions on or before 25th of every month.

    He said that his administration had been responsive to the welfare of workers, adding that it had also put people at the heart of its policies and programmes.

    Acknowledging the importance of labour in the policies, programmes and projects aimed at ensuring the development of the state, Makinde commended the workers for ensuring an atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions.

    He noted that the cooperation between his government and labour had contributed immensely to the existing development and peaceful atmosphere in the state.

    He urged the workers to reciprocate his administration’s good gesture by being more dedicated and committed.

    The governor also enjoined them to work ‘tirelessly and vigorously’ for their pay.

  • Oyo LG election mockery of democracy – APC

    Oyo LG election mockery of democracy – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described the outcome of Saturday’s local government elections in the state as a mockery of democracy.

    APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Olawale Sadare, in an interview with NAN on Monday in Ibadan, said that the election was ‘a script poorly written and poorly executed.

    The results of the election announced by the Chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Isiaka Olagunju, had indicated that PDP won the chairmanship and councillorship in all the 33 local governments in the state.

    But, Sadare said it was regrettable that OYSIEC had made itself available for such manipulations.

    While rating the election, Sadare said that it fell below standard and lacked any semblance of a real election.

    He said that the state government just wasted the state resources and people’s time.

    “As a party, we have done our part; the ball is now in the court of public opinion.

    “I believe the general public will not want the situation to remain like this, in the interest of our state,” he said.

    Sadare said that APC stakeholders would meet before the end of the week to review the exercise.

    “Leaders in the APC in the state will soon meet to deliberate and take collective stand on the election.

    “Whatever decisions we arrive at will be made available to the public,” he said.

    NAN reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde, while commenting on the elections on Saturday, had said the security report about the elections had been excellent, indicating that it was violence-free.

    He noted that his administration had successfully eradicated caretaker administration at the local government level, which had made people not to have a say in who should govern them.

    The governor also urged people who might notice any untoward activity to report to relevant authorities for redress.

  • Oyo secretariat invasion: We “ll prevent reoccurrence – GOC

    Oyo secretariat invasion: We “ll prevent reoccurrence – GOC

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army,  Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, says the Army will prevent a reoccurrence of Saturday’s invasion of the Oyo State Secretariat by Yoruba Nation separatists.

    Onubogu gave the assurance on Monday when he visited Gov. Seyi Makinde in his office in Ibadan.

    The GOC said that the action of “self-acclaimed irridentists” was unfortunate and assured that the Army had taken note of the security gaps that prompted the invasion.

    He said that the Army would ensure inter-agency cooperation to guarantee security in the the South West zone.

    “This incident is unfortunate as it shows that despite the peace that exists in Oyo State, there are still sons and daughters of the South-West Nigeria, who are bent on challenging Oyo State, the entire South-West as well as Nigeria as a whole.

    “I have taken note of some of the gaps that preceded this incident and I want to assure you that under my watch, we will play our part to ensure that such a situation does not arise again.

    “As our adversaries have made their intentions known, it will be foolhardy for us not to refocus and ensure the people of Oyo remain safe,” he said.

    Onubogu added that the Army would conduct constant operations in the Old National Park and parts of Oke-Ogun area of the state that have witnessed kidnappings, illegal mining and other acts of criminality.

    Responding, Makinde commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for keeping the peace in state.

    He particularly hailed their ability to bring the Oodua nation separatists to their knees in no time on Saturday.

    The governor said that the swift and effective response was due to the robust security system in the state, which was promptly activated to deal with the armed separatists.

    The governor called on the new GOC to sustain the cordial relationship between the Division, government and the people.

    He assured that the government would spare no expenses in securing the state and supporting the Army and other security agencies to discharge their responsibility more effectively.

  • LG election: PDP remains best option in Oyo State – Makinde

    LG election: PDP remains best option in Oyo State – Makinde

    Ahead of the April 27 Local Government election in Oyo State, Gov. Seyi Makinde, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the best option among other political parties in the state.

    Makinde said this on Monday in Ido town, Ido Local Government Area, where he attended the PDP campaign and presentation of flags to party candidates in the council’s election.

    He emphasised that his administration had delivered massive infrastructure, educational and health projects in the state.

    The governor, who advised PDP faithful to remain strong, united for the victory expected, urged them to continue to work for the progress of the party.

    He equally assured party members yet to be compensated that plans were on the way.

    Makinde presenting flags to Mr Sheriff Adeojo, the chairmanship candidate for Ido Local Government, urged the people of the state to vote for all candidates of PDP in the forthcoming election.

    In their separate remarks, the state deputy chairman of PDP, Mr James Olukunle and the party chairman in Ido Local Government, Mr Akinsola Ayuba, commended the unprecedented achievements of Makinde’s administration.

    Olukunle expressed the readiness of party members in Ido and the state in general to ensure PDP’s victory in the local government election.

    Ayuba, on his part, said the party had started house to house campaign to enhance the chances of the party during the election.

  • Police parade Yoruba nation agitators, promise to apprehend sponsors

    Police parade Yoruba nation agitators, promise to apprehend sponsors

    Police in Oyo State are on the trail of sponsors of Yoruba nation agitators who invaded government secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday.

    The agitators invaded the Oyo State House of Assembly complex located inside the secretariat and hoisted their flag there in an attempt to take over the assembly.

    Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebola Hamzat, paraded 21 of the agitators arrested before newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.

    He said some of those arrested had been listing the names of their sponsors and that police had visited some locations within Oyo State where some incriminating items were recovered.

    Hamzat recalled that a member of Amotekun Corps (the security network of states in the Southwest) was injured during the invasion just as one of the agitators who resisted arrest got injured in a gun duel with the police.

    He stressed that police were not aware of any death during the incident.

    “On Saturday, at about 8:55 a.m., information was received that some men, dressed in military-like camouflage and armed with pump action semi-automatic rifles were sighted on motorcycles around Olomi and moving into Ibadan.

    “At about 9:15 a.m., the hoodlums, later known as Yoruba Nation Agitation Group, were trailed to the State Secretariat and to the premises of the governor’s office.

    “They hoisted their flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the creation of a `Democratic Republic of the Yoruba.

    “With police reinforcement, the miscreants were warned to disperse. The agitators turned violent and opened fire on the police and a detachment of Amotekun Corps present,’’ Hamzat said.

    He said the police responded and were joined by operatives of other security agencies who suppressed the treason.

    The police commissioner also told newsmen that five pump action semi-automatic rifles and two wooden double barrel guns and other exhibits were recovered from the agitators.

    Also recovered were two jackets, 30 pieces of torch lights, 49 bells, five horse whips, seven pieces of walkie-talkies and accessories, four generators, 72 pairs of camouflage uniforms and 405 live cartridges.

    Hamzat described the action of the suspects as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism to be meted with adequate sanctions through purposeful prosecutions.

    He assured that the police would remain steadfast in the protection of lives and property.

    “The continued existence of Nigeria as a sovereign indivisible entity is a task that must be accomplished.

    “The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain. Police in Oyo State will be unrelenting in ensuring the continued united corporate existence of Nigeria as a country,’’ Hamzat stressed.

    Speaking with newsmen, one of the suspects said he had no regret for his action and that the action was not treasonable.

    He argued that the action of the agitators was legal and that their sponsors had documents stating that the UN and ECOWAS had given recognition to Yoruba nation’s existence.

    Another suspect said the agitators were promised jobs and good conditions of living if Yoruba nation became a reality.

  • Alleged assault: Immigration boss orders investigation

    Alleged assault: Immigration boss orders investigation

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered investigation into an alleged assault of a journalist, Seun Falomo and personnel of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYSRTMA) by some immigration officers.

    The NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap gave the order in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Mr Kenneth Udo on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nandap said that the Service would not hesitate to sanction any of its Officers and Men who flaunted the law and code of conduct.

    A news report had been circulating, alleging that some Immigration officers assaulted personnel of the OYSRTMA and one Seun Falomo, a journalist with Galaxy Television.

    It was gathered that the incidence report promptly forwarded from Zone “F” Headquarters of NIS in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the incident occurred, indicated that personnel of OYSRTMA allegedly caught a retired Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI).

    He had violated  traffic rules at Onipepeye area (Old Ife road), and the personnel tried arresting him, but the latter who wanted to explain himself, was assaulted, leading to his son (who was driving his car) sustaining a fractured leg.

    According to Nandap, regrettably, the situation further escalated when Immigration officers at Zone F office tried to intervene.

    “I have ordered a thorough investigation into the case and we have however, swing into action to uncover the facts behind the fracas, “she said.

    Nandap appealed for the understanding of the public and also seeks sustained collaboration with other sister agencies of government at all levels.

    The NIS boss reaffirmed her commitment to upholding professionalism and integrity in delivering on NIS’ core mandates of border security and migration management, amongst others.

  • We didn’t post corps member to Oyo Amotekun – NYSC

    We didn’t post corps member to Oyo Amotekun – NYSC

    The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked a story trending on the social media of a corps member posted to Amotekun Corps for one-year mandatory youths service programme.

    Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, NYSC Oyo State, Ms Christy Olatoye, in a statement on Saturday in Ibadan said Amotekun was not included on the list of employers on NYSC database.

    She, however, said the Western Nigeria Security Network code-named “Amotekun” remained a respected organisation

    Olatoye reiterated that a posting letter with such deployment did not emanate from the NYSC Oyo state.

    “The attention of the NYSC Oyo state has been drawn to a story trending on the Social media of a corps member posted to Amotekun Corps.

    “I want to set the record straight that it is the policy of the National Youth Service Corps to post Corps members to where they would be relevant and their services will be well utilised.

    “While I admit that the Amotekun Corps is a respected organisation in its line of assignment but it is not included on the list of employers on our database. We only post to employers on our database.

    She advised pranksters not to portraying the scheme negatively.

    “The National Youth Service Corps is a noble scheme that has served the nation for over five decades with notable achievements to our records.

    “It is therefore not an organisation that should be used as an object of prank, “she said.

  • Olubadan died when he was most needed – Oyo ALGON

    Olubadan died when he was most needed – Oyo ALGON

    The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON),Oyo State Chapter, has described  the  late Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Lekan Balogun, as a peace-maker ,saying he died when he was most needed in Ibadan and Nigeria,in general.

    The State AlGON Chairman, Mr Sikiru Sanda ,said this during the 8-day fidau prayer for the late traditional ruler on Friday in Ibadan.

    Sanda, who is the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council of the state, said that the late Olubadan was  a very pleasant man ,loved  by everyone in his domain.

    “His death came to us as a rude shock, we felt bad about, it is a great loss to the nation and we have accepted God decision.

    “We are going to miss him owing  to his contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria, in general.”,he said.

    In his sermon, Prof. Kamil Oloso, former lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, called on everyone to always do good and remember the  Judgment Day.

    Oloso said that there was no doubt that everyone would be resurrected to account for his or her deeds while on earth.

    Quoting chapter 75 vs 1 :5 of the Holy Quran ,the  Islamic scholar said those that do good while earth would surely  reap bountifully on  the Day of Judgment.

    He called on  citizens ,especially those with means , to always  assist those in need.

    The 8-day fidau prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland,Shelkh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere.

    Christian clerics and traditional religion worshippers also prayed for the repose of the late traditional ruler’s soul.

    Present at the occasion were members of immediate and extended families of the late Olubadan; the  Olubadan-In-Council,Magajis,Baales, and  chairmen of local government councils in Ibadan.

    Other were President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Sulaimon Ajewole, Ibadan traditional title holders, among others.

    Balogun, who ascended the throne on March 11,2022, died on March 14,2024, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after  a brief illness.

  • Roadside trading: Oyo Govt. gives 7 days ultimatum

    Roadside trading: Oyo Govt. gives 7 days ultimatum

    Oyo State Government has directed occupants and owners of illegally erected kiosks, containers, and shanties as well as other roadside traders to vacate the roadsides within seven days or face sanctions.

    Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, gave the directive in Ibadan on Tuesday while on an inspection tour of Ojoo area of the state.

    Mogbonjubola said that the illegal occupants were causing unwarranted obstruction of road traffic.

    The commissioner said that their operations were contrary to the state’s Environmental Sanitation Regulation, 2013.

    He said that their operations constituted environmental nuisance.

    He said that the business activities could be relocated to more suitable places in neighbourhood markets.

    ”This will checkmate road accident and avoid loss of lives and property,”  the official said.

  • BREAKING: Protest breaks out in Oyo over economic hardship

    BREAKING: Protest breaks out in Oyo over economic hardship

    Hardship bites harder as protest erupted in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, on over high cost of living, food inflation and the current economic hardship in the country.

    Staged in the Mokola area of Ibadan, the state capital, placard-carrying youths in their droves chanted songs to drive home their points.

    Some of the placards have inscriptions such as ‘End food hike and inflation’, ‘The poor is starving’, ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, amongst others.

    Armed policemen were seen at the protest scene even as demonstrators held the peaceful rally against the economic hardship in the land occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows.

    The police had on Sunday warned that no breach of peace would be allowed during any protest in the state.

    The protest in Oyo followed others in Kano, Minna, amongst others, over economic hardship occasioned by petrol subsidy removal, food inflation, and high cost of living.

    Last Thursday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the National Security Adviser, (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; to work with governors and go after those hoarding foodstuff.