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Tag: Seyi Makinde

  • 2024 was turbulent for us – Makinde recalls Bodija explosion

    2024 was turbulent for us – Makinde recalls Bodija explosion

    Governor Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go through turbulent times in the year 2024.

    “2024 had been really turbulent, but God has given us the strength to keep pushing,” he said in his remarks at the 2024 Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organised by the state government.

    Makinde recalled the Jan. 16 explosion which occured at Bodija area of Ibadan and claimed several lives and destroyed property amounting to billions of Naira.

    The governor also pointed at the recent stampede at Islamic High School at Basorun in Ibadan which took the lives of not less than 35 innocent children.

    He then reiterated his administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Oyo State, saying the state’s development had been his priority since 2019 when he assumed office.

    The governor thanked the state House of Assembly’ Speaker and all members of the Assembly for the timely passage of the 2025 state budget, which he would sign into law on Monday.

    He also commended the judiciary for working together with the two other arms of government “for us to have harmony in the running of government in the state”.

    Makinde equally thanked religious leaders and the people of the state for their support, noting that the cooperation of the people made it possible for his administration to achieve success.

    “I use this opportunity also to thank traditional rulers for maintaining peace in their various domains,” he said.

    In his exhortation, the Presiding Bishop, Christ Life Church, Wale Oke, implored Nigerians to embrace light and abstain from darkness.

    “Corruption, inequity, partiality, idolatry, among others, are agents of darkness,” he said.

    The governor read the ninth lesson of the service while his wife Tamunominini read the eighth lesson. The event, which was held at the Remembrance Arcade at Government House in Ibadan, involved prayers for government functionaries, political leaders and the entire people of the state.

  • Ibadan stampede: Gov Makinde to honour dead children

    Ibadan stampede: Gov Makinde to honour dead children

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says he will put off his Dec. 25th birthday celebrations in honour of the children who died during Wednesday’s stampede in Ibadan.

    Makinde stated this in Ibadan on Friday while receiving the South-East delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara.

    The delegation came to condole with the governor over the early morning stampede at the children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.

    Makinde described the incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children, as painful, unfortunate and preventable.

    He said due to the incident; he would have to put off his Dec. 25th birthday celebrations and remain alone indoors.

    “I will not go out; no birthday celebration this year,” he said.

    He appreciated the BOT chairman and other party leaders for the visit, saying they were the first to pay him a condolence visit over the unfortunate incident.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we appreciate you for coming,” Makinde said.

    Earlier, Wabara said the South-East party leaders were in Ibadan to commiserate with the governor and the people of Oyo State over the loss of lives arising from the stampede.

    “We, the people of South-East, feel the pain of the sudden death of the 35 children.

    “We pray God to grant you and the people of the state, particularly the parents of the victims, the fortitude to bear the loss,” Wabara said.

    A former governor of Ebonyi, Dr Sam Egwu; former PDP National Secretary, Chief Ben Obi, and PDP BOT member, Josephine Anenih, make up the delegation.

    Others are PDP chieftain, Chief Obasi Elebe, and Ebonyi PDP chairman, Mr Onyema Nwele.

  • We will fix PDP to fix Nigeria – Makinde

    We will fix PDP to fix Nigeria – Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will do everything within its power to fix the party and Nigeria.

    Makinde stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the Roadmap for Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI).

    PDI is the research arm of PDP established in 2000 to promote a new democratic culture in Nigeria and Africa through the provision of value-added education, training, capacity building, research, and documentation programmes.

    Makinde said that PDP could fix Nigeria, adding that “we will fix PDP and then PDP will fix Nigeria, which will be the basis of real hope for the people of Nigeria.

    “As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP has to provide real hope for Nigeria. By revitalising the PDI that real hope is being provided for our people.

    “Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to provide an ideological foundation,” he said.

    Makinde said that with the inauguration of the board, PDP was moving a step closer to defining the ideology it stood for.

    He advised politicians and leaders who were given opportunity to serve to always ask themselves what they want to be remembered for.

    The Oyo governor pledged his commitment to strengthening of the country’s democracy and PDP.

    “From 2019, I’ve been benefitting from PDP. So, I want to say thank you to our great party, and all the stakeholders gathered here today, for giving me the opportunity to get not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella.

    “The only thing I can promise you, is that, since I fetched water from that well, and I have been drinking since 1999, I will not pollute the well when it is time for me to exit that office,” he said.

    Makinde also urged PDP leaders, members and stakeholders to go into the Nov. 16 Ondo governorship election united and resist any attempt to truncate the election.

    He said that the PDP needed true reconciliation and unity to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo.

    In his remarks, former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, emphasised the need to jointly build PDP, saying parties are built on ideas, philosophies and policies.

    He urged PDP members to move away from building ideas on self or on ambition, as Nigeria move towards 2027.

    “We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts from. This is the foundation that is important.

    “Let us desist from talking about who is running for councilors, or who is running for governor, or who is running for president in 2027.

    “Let us talk about what is PDP. What does PDP represent? These are the issues and policies that we must take into account,” Saraki said.

    In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of PDI Board of Governors, Taofeek Arapaja, pledged the governing board members’ commitment to the mission, and vision of PDI, and to the guiding principles of the PDP.

    Arapaja, who is the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), commended the party leadership and Makinde’s efforts at revamping PDI, said that the board would advance the principles of PDI to enrich Nigeria’s democracy.

    “As we embark on this journey, we pledge that we will live with innovations, transparency and inclusivity.

    “We are passionate about equipping the next generation of leaders and ensuring that the PDI becomes a true engine of progressive thoughts, skills, building and intellectual discourse within our party and beyond.

    “We envision a PDI that is not just a research institute, but a vibrant, inclusive hub for the youths, women and all party members,” Arapaja said.

    The Director General of PDI, Dr Edward Adie, acknowledging the support of Makinde for revamping of the institute, seek support from all in terms of funding, personnel among others.

    He said that research institute such as PDI was critical for party electoral success, funding substance of power and needed training for political leaders.

  • Stop accusing us for crisis in your party – APC tells Makinde

    Stop accusing us for crisis in your party – APC tells Makinde

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to stop accusing it for the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Governor Makinde had at an event in Ibadan blamed the APC for the turmoil in PDP and other opposition parties.

    Reacting in a statement, Mr Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity counseled the PDP to do a soul searching and address its problems.

    Morka advised the governor to focus on his primary assignment of providing good governance to his people.

    ”He should not point accusing fingers at APC for the rot in his party. Makinde has become the leading but rather shoddy drummer for his 2027 political ambition.

    ”While our democracy affords Makinde the liberty to his political aspiration, however, engaging in reckless executive flippancy, at the expense of the job he was elected to do as governor, is a disservice to the good people of Oyo State.

    “They should take full responsibility for their disgraceful failure to handle the party’s implosion and decay,” the APC spokesman said.

    He added that Makinde’s unhinged 2027 political ambition could not be founded upon his unguarded and unjustified attacks against the APC or the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He said the Tinubu-led administration had launched the boldest and most ambitious reform effort in history to transform the country’s economy and build a solid foundation for progress.

    Morka said the country was now exporting more than it was importing with a trade surplus of nearly N7 billion at the end of second quarter of of 2024.

    “Instead of prioritising the needs of  Oyo people who elected him to tackle their local issues, he has chosen to divert his attention.

    “Makinde must know that Nigeria’s scale and complexities demand more than his vain and self-indulgent ambition.

    “He cannot even speak for the people of Oyo State regarding their future electoral choices or decisions let alone speak for Nigerians,” he stressed.

    He urged Nigerians to continue to stand firm in support of Tinubu as his administration’s reform policies begin to yield the desired benefits for all Nigerians.

  • NEC recommends withdrawal of tax reforms bill

    NEC recommends withdrawal of tax reforms bill

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has advised that the Tax Reforms Bill, currently before the National Assembly, be withdrawn.

    This recommendation was made on Thursday, following the council’s 145th meeting in Abuja.

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State explained that the NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment among stakeholders regarding the proposed tax reforms.

    He cited the prevalence of miscommunication and misinformation surrounding the bill, emphasising the need for wider consultation and consensus building.

    Makinde stated that the council acknowledged the country’s underperformance in major revenue sources.

    He said that council also considered the Presidential Committee on Physical Policy and Tax Reforms presentation of a report focusing on fair taxation, responsible borrowing, and sustainable spending.

    Gov. Umara Zulum of Borno, also affirmed the council’s advice to withdraw the bill to allow for consensus building.

    The Tax Reforms Bill, endorsed by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, aimed to enhance Nigeria’s tax administration efficiency and eliminate redundancies.

  • 2027: Nobody can push my agenda for me — Makinde

    2027: Nobody can push my agenda for me — Makinde

    The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has f dismissed speculations surrounding his possible presidential ambition, stating that he will personally announce any such intentions if they arise.

    His remark followed speculation that he may be already in planning stage for a possible push for the presidency in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    But speaking at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo town with PDP correspondents after their three-day retreat in the state, he emphasized that no one can force an agenda upon him.

    According him, he did not do what he has achieved in the state because of personal ambition.

    “We didn’t do this because somebody has a presidential ambition,” he said.

    “But I am old enough, and if I want to do something, I will come out and say, ‘This is what I want to do.’ Nobody can push my agenda.”

    Makinde reflected on his political journey, stressing the importance of a multiparty democracy in Nigeria, warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to fall into a one-party state.

    He said, “Oyo people made a decision in 2019 without any godfather backing. We came in with no experience in governance, but we’ve made progress.

    The one takeaway from this is that Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state.”

    Governor Makinde emphasized the need for strong institutions that guarantee good governance, regardless of the administration in power, and encouraged journalists to continue shaping public opinion based on the state’s developmental strides.

    The governor outlined various infrastructural and agricultural projects his administration has embarked on, aimed at boosting the state’s economy and reviving historical ventures that once thrived in Oyo.

    The Fashola Agribusiness Hub, originally conceptualized during Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s era, was one such initiative.

    Makinde described how the estate, previously used for cattle breeding, had fallen into neglect but was now being rejuvenated as part of the state’s efforts to tap into agro-tourism and agricultural productivity.

    “The people who started this built Cocoa House, the first skyscraper south of the Sahara. But since then, we’ve not built another one.

    “In contrast, countries like Israel have built thousands of skyscrapers. We need to bring back the spirit of innovation and productivity,” he noted.

    Makinde also highlighted the construction of major roads that link different zones in the state, including the 34-kilometer road connecting Oyo Zone to Oke Ogun and the 76.6-kilometer road linking Iseyin to Ogbomoso.

    These projects, despite being on federal land, were carried out by the state government with the goal of expanding Oyo’s agro-industrial capacity and ensuring smoother transportation for goods like cassava, which is widely farmed in the region.

    He underscored the need for Oyo State to focus on productivity rather than dependence on federal allocations.

    “We know that the way to fix this country is to be productive. It’s not about waiting for federal allocation.

    “Those who built the foundation of this state generated their own resources, and we have enough to do the same.”

     

  • INEC tackles Makinde over “unfounded allegations”

    INEC tackles Makinde over “unfounded allegations”

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, against resorting to serial and unfounded allegations against the commission, during electioneering.

    Governor Makinde earlier on Tuesday called for immediate redeployment of the Ondo Resident Electoral Commission (REC) Mrs. Toyin Babalola, before the November 16 governorship election, to ensure the neutrality of the electoral umpire.

    Makinde made the call during the launch of the PDP campaign for the November 16 governorship election in the State, urging the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy Babalola, over alleged partisanship and affiliation with an interested party in the election and for being ‘from Ondo State’.

    INEC, however said that Mrs Babalola was not from Ondo State, as INEC don’t deploys RECs to their states of origin.

    “Our attention has been drawn to an allegation made by the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde at his party’s campaign rally held today in Akure in which he called on the INEC Chairman to remove the REC for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, because ‘she is from Ondo State’.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State in line with the commission’s policy not to deploy a REC to his or her State of origin. In 2020, ahead of the last governorship election in the same state, he (Makinde) accused a senior official of the commission of working with the Vice Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election.

    “The allegation was untrue. We appeal to holders of high public office such as Governor Makinde to verify their information before making these serial, unfounded allegations.”

     

  • Makinde assures Oyo workers of N70,000 minimum wage payment

    Makinde assures Oyo workers of N70,000 minimum wage payment

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday in Ibadan assured those in the state’s workforce of his administration’s willingness to pay the N70,000 minimum wage.

    Makinde gave the assurance while addressing primary school teachers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on the occasion of the 2024 World Teachers Day.

    He announced that negotiation on the minimum wage’s consequential adjustment would start in the coming week.

    The governor equally announced the extension of the wage award payment by three months, from October to December.

    “We have extended the wage award by three months, and if we are able to conclude on the negotiation in between this period, we will drop the wage award payment and get into the minimum wage payment,” he said.

    Makinde, while acknowledging the importance of teachers in nation-building, assured teachers that his government would be committed to their welfare.

    He noted that any country that wanted to develop must educate its citizens, pointing out that teachers are the drivers of the nation’s education sector.

    Makinde however urged the teachers to continue to support his administration for the upliftment of the state’s education sector.

    In his address, the State Chairman of NUT, Mr Raji Oladimeji, appealed to the governor to fast-track the ongoing teachers’ recruitment processes, for their quick posting into the classrooms.

    ”This is for effective service delivery,” he said.

    Oladimeji appreciated the governor for his concern for the welfare of workers, and urged him to continue prioritising the welfare of teachers.

  • Oyo: Why we are reviewing public service rules – Gov Makinde

    Oyo: Why we are reviewing public service rules – Gov Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his administration is reviewing the state Public Service Rules to bring about  transformation the state’s civil and public service.

    Makinde stated this on Thursday at the executive chamber of his office while receiving committee reports on the Review/Update of Public Service Rules and other regulations in the state civil/public service.

    The governor said the existing public service rules had become obsolete.

    He said that his administration had put in place a lot of measures to improve the civil service system in the state.

    Makinde said that a technical committee would produce the white-paper on the report within a short time, “which will be followed with immediate implementation.”

    He said the committee reports had validated his position regarding the legacy he wanted to be remembered for.

    “Our legacy should come from the institutions that we are able to put together, such that good governance will continue in the state even after we are long gone from the system.

    “Once we are able to implement and operationalise the committee reports, we will have a different civil service in Oyo State,”he said

    Makinde pledged that he would forge ahead to put in place strong institutional frameworks that would ensure that the state continued to experience good governance even after the expiration of his tenure in 2027.

    Chairman of the committee, Chief Adebisi Adesola, noted that adoption of the reports presented would birth a new and more responsible civil service.

    According to Adesola, a former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, the new public service rules will facilitate greater output and better delivery of services.

    The four documents presented by the committee for consideration are; Public Service Rule Volume 1, renamed Public Service Rule Volume I; Administrative Regulations and Public Service Rule Volume 2, now Financial Regulations.

    Others are: Public Service Commission Rule 1978, renamed Civil Service Commission Rule; and Operational handbook for Civil/Public Service in Oyo State.

  • Makinde announces fresh appointments after returning from one-month leave

    Makinde announces fresh appointments after returning from one-month leave

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced fresh appointments after returning from his one-month leave.

    Makinde had last month embarked on one-month leave and handed over the leadership of the state to his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal.

    The governor appointed Engr. Akin Akinleye as his Executive Assistant on Sports Development.

    He also approved the appointments of members into three Boards.

    Makinde made these declarations via a statement signed by his Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi.

    The statement was made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan through the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

    The governor noted that all the appointments are with immediate effect.

    The statement indicated that members were appointed into the Boards of the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Service, Oyo State Pension and the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.

    The new appointees into the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Service Board are Mogaji Oladosu Ademola (Vice Chairman, Oyo South); Hon. Akinsola Ismael (Member, Oyo South); Mrs Oluwakemi Roseline Alabi (Member, Oyo North); Alhaji Mojeed Agbaje (Member, Oyo North); Oladipupo Christiana Oluwarinu (Member, Oyo Central); and Mr Oyegbami Oyewale (Member, Oyo Central).

    The appointees into the Oyo State Pension Board are: Hon. Oluwatubosun Babarinde (Member, Oyo Central) and Adeniyi Busola Esther (Member, Oyo South).

    The statement added that Engr. Mudasiru Busari was appointed as (Member, Oyo North); Ajao Ibrahim Akinsanmi (Member, Oyo Central) and Prince Olumuyiwa Akinbiyi (Member, Oyo South) to the Board of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.