Author: Wale Owoade

NGO holds medical outreach in Akinyele community, educate residents

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

 

No fewer than 2000 residents of Akinyele community in Ibadan benefited from various healthcare services during a medical outreach organised by Enablers Diaspora Grassroots Support Outreach (EDGSO) Worldwide, a Non Governmental Organisation(NGO) on Friday.

The medical outreach also featured health education on chronic and preventive diseases. Such as hypertension and diabetes, free medical check up and free distribution of basic medications among others.

The Founder and the President of EDGSO Worldwide, Chief Mrs Ayoyinka Wilson, in her remarks said that the aim of the outreach was to promote good health, alleviate people’s suffering, and to positively impact the wellbeing of the people in the grassroots.

She said that the drugs distributed to over 2000 people would sustain them for the next three months. She urged Nigerians to cultivate habits of checking their health status regularly to prevent issues being complicated before necessary action would be taken.

“In addition to free medical services, we are also distributing free raw food items and other daily essentials to people to reduce the burdens of high cost of food items on the citizens.

“We are not doing this because of any political gain and we do not have any politician or government bankrolling our activities since its inception in the past six years, “she said.

The Founder lauded the EDGSO donors and supporters all over the world that have been donating generously to the organization for the past six years.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, attributed the increased development in the state to synergy and enabling environment created by Gov. Seyi Makinde led administration for private organizations and individuals with laudable initiatives.

The commissioner expressed readiness of the state government to give its maximum support for the NGO in all its future programmmes.

In his response, His Royal Highness, Oba James Odeniran, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, Ibadan, expressed gratitude to EDGSO for choosing Akinyele as one of the beneficiary communities of its 2024 community give away and medical outreach for second time.

The royal father noted that the intervention would go a long way in bringing succour to people that could not afford quality medical services.

On her part the Iyaloja of Akinyele, Mrs Bintu Muraina, on behalf of other beneficiaries of the free medical outreach said that the NGO had successfully made a positive indelible mark in Akinyele through its various life changing initiatives.

She urged other well meaning Nigerians to emulate the founder of the EDGSO who has dedicated her resources to put smiles on the faces of the people at the grassroots.

It would be recalled that the outreach which started at Sepeteri on Monday was taken to Ijero Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti, and Akure in Ondo state.

Oyo temporarily shuts down Alao-Akala Highway to install weighbridges

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State Government has shut down temporarily the 76.67km Alao-Akala Memorial Highway to construct weighbridges on it.

Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, who disclosed this on Thursday said the move was necessitated by the desire to preserve the road.

He said when completed, the weighbridges would be deployed to determine the weight of heavy duty trucks plying the road, adding that while trailers within the permissible weights would be allowed to use the road after paying the stipulated fees, heavy duty trucks with excess weight would be turned back.

The Commissioner stated that fee payments on the road would only be applicable to trailers.

He maintained that the move is to protect the new road designed to serve as a link between Ogbomoso and Iseyin as well as other parts of the state and the country, noting that the weighbridges will help to reduce the burden on the road and enhance its longevity.

According to Shangodoyin, though the design and construction of the road were done with quality in mind, it is a Trunk B Road that should be plied by heavy duty trucks and articulated vehicles that are within permissible weight.

ICT has helped NIPOST services, says Postal Manager

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Mrs Ronke Litan, the Oyo State Postal Manager of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), says the advent of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has greatly improved the organisation’s services.

Litan said this in Ibadan during the celebration of the 2024 World Post Day with the theme “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering People across Nations“.

She said that with the advent of ICT and online marketing, NIPOST has been able to promote and support a lot of businesses.

“ A large percentage of the population is more involved in online buying and selling, and NIPOST serves as the channel of delivery in terms of goods and items.

“NIPOST charges, I must say, are quite lower compared to other delivery channels in the country.

She said that the Universal Postal Union (UPU) had over the years helped in promoting and encouraging the use of letter writing as a means of communication.

“Letter writing has existed as a vital means of communication in both formal and informal sectors, and I must say it’s still very relevant to date.

“UPU in its 150 years of existence has enabled humanity to communicate through the medium of letter posts from one country to another.

“ At NIPOST we’re enabling and facilitating communication among Nigerians through the post which must not go into extinction,” she said.

Litan said NIPOST has no fewer than 3000 post offices spread across cities and villages.

“This enables us to deliver even to the grassroots. In delivery, we have no limitations; there’s nowhere we can’t deliver to,” she said.

Retired NIS ACG, Fagbamigbe admonishes officers to shun unethical practices

By Suleiman Shehu

 

Retired Assistant Comproller – General ( ACG) of the Nigerian Immigration Service ( NIS) ,Mr Sunday Fagbamigbe on Saturday admonished officers to shun unethical practices.

Fagbamigbe gave the advice during a pulling – out ceremony organised in his honour by the NIS, Oyo State Command in Ibadan, for serving NIS for over 30 years resiliently.

The retired NIS Assistant Comptroller-General hailed from Ekiti and joined the service in 1993 as Superindent of Immigration.

He rose to the post of ACG before his retirement and has headed several formations such as Igangan Border Patrol, Iseyin Border Patrol, Saki Border Patrol, Oyo Area Office among others.

Fagbamigbe said if the service personnel shun unethical practices, applicants would also do the same and remain prudent in their dealings with the service.

” I plead with officers to stay away from bribery, racketeering and other sharp practices,” he said.

In her remarks,the Comptroller-General of Immigration Service ( CGIS), Mrs Kemi Nandap, who was represented by ACG Sunny Ogbeche, in -charge of Air Border Management,Service headquarters,described Fagbamigbe as an excellent officer.

Nandap said that Fagbamigbe would not be forgotten by the service due to his dedication, hardwork and discipline.

“Please do not forget NIS , we still need your expertise ,” she said.

The Controller in – Charge of Zone F Headquarters,Mr Samuel Agba, described the retired officer as an highly skilled officer worthy of emulation .

Agba further said that Fagbamigbe was a non – tribalised officer who enjoyed working with other officers irrespective of background

“He was once in- charge of border management and I was privileged to work with him , he is highly discipline.,” he said.

The NIS Comptroller, Ekiti Command, Mr Joseph Dada, described Fagbamigbe as a down – to -earth personalty and approachable.

“As my former boss in border management at service headquarters, he treated me like a friend, never relegated me for once,” Dada said.

In his contribution, a member of the family ,the Elemo Uro of Emure, Ekiti , Mr Tayo Fagbamigbe described the celebrant as humble who was always willing in assisting family members and others generally.

Former Liberian Vice President, Howard-Taylor Appointed UNIPGC Matron.

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been appointed as the Matron of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) for its African chapter.

 

This prestigious role was officially conferred upon her at the Jewel Starfish Headquarters in Monrovia, Liberia, in a vibrant ceremony that drew widespread attention.

 

As the first female Vice President of Liberia, Howard-Taylor has consistently demonstrated her commitment to peace, governance, and the empowerment of African women. Her leadership and influence have earned her recognition as one of the most powerful female politicians in Liberia.

 

The oath of allegiance was administered by Global President and Chairman of the Supreme Council of UNIPGC Africa, H.E. Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah. Howard-Taylor pledged to lead, manage resources, and create value that no individual can achieve alone.

 

Amb. Ojadah, also a Permanent Representative to the United Nations and recipient of the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, congratulated Howard-Taylor on her inauguration. He expressed high hopes for her contributions to UNIPGC, citing her potential to bring significant value to the organization.

 

Notable attendees at the event included Amb. Fanta Ceesay, Mrs. Joy Okikili, Amb. Dipo Gbenro, and Amb. Michael Adediran, representing various countries and UNIPGC executive positions.

 

This appointment marks a new chapter for UNIPGC Africa under Howard-Taylor’s esteemed leadership, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to fostering peace and good governance across the continent

Youth Assembly official urges Makinde to look into issues affecting citizens

 

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

 

Adeola Adelabu, Speaker of Oyo State Chapter of Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), has urged Gov. Seyi Makinde to look into emerging real estate and land acquisition issues in the state.

Adelabu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday that, if not carefully examined, those issues might eventually not bode well for the state.

“These issues border on the demolition of structures obstructing projects, the fairness of compensation and allowances paid to affected property owners, and transparency in communication and citizen engagement, which are very crucial.

”There is also the need for better community involvement in development projects to promote trust between the government and the people,” he said.

Adelabu said while the Ibadan Circular Road was meant to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities, there have been concerns over how the land acquisition process was handled.

The Oyo State YAN Speaker also said that appraising agriculture and food security were very pivotal.

“The state government needs to invest more in agriculture value chains, especially at the production level.

“There are concerns about rising food prices and the threat to food security, particularly due to climate change, poor infrastructure and insufficient support for farmers.

“A bottom-up approach is recommended, where local farmers are empowered with resources, training and access to markets.

“The government should prioritise policies that
promote food sustainability, thus encouraging the state to reserve a percentage of staple food for local consumption and improve value-added services in agriculture,” he said.

Adelabu said tourism in the state was also in dire straits, asking sarcastically if it was a carcass or phoenix.

“For instance, an expanse of land earlier planned to host a media city was converted to Lere Adigun Estate, which is a setback to the film and media industry and the huge benefits the state would have derived from such project.

“Agodi Gardens and Trans Amusement Park, previously key tourist destinations, were similarly re-purposed for real estate development.

“The loss of these cultural and recreational spaces is lamentable, and such decisions negatively affect the social well-being of the citizens and reduce the state’s tourism potential.

“The consensus was that the government should preserve natural and cultural heritage sites and promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth,” he said.

On the issue of local government autonomy, Adelabu said it was his opinion that the resistance in some quarters was not in good faith.

“ The idea of local government autonomy is a way to
decentralise power and improve governance at the grassroots level.

“In the global model of federalism, which often excludes local governments as independent federating units, there’s need for a balance.

”This balance must be between granting local governments more authority while ensuring that they operate under a framework that maintains accountability and alignment with state policies.

“This must be complimented by the introduction of e-governance to streamline local government operations, making the approval process for funds more efficient and reducing risks associated with physical document handling,” he said.

South-West needs conference on Islamic unity, progress —- Scholars

By Suleiman Shehu

A group of Islamic scholars, preachers and clerics in Yorubaland, Edo State and Delta have emphasised the need for a conference on Islamic unity and progress in the South-West region.

 

The group, known as the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo State and Delta, on Wednesday in Ibadan explained this need at a media briefing on the conference.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference slated for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun from Monday, Oct 7 to Wednesday,Oct. 9 is “Strengthening Islamic Unity and Progress in Yorubaland”.

 

Sheikh Taofeek Akewugbagold, Chairman of the conference’s Media Committee, said considering the extent to which religion is drifting Nigerians apart, especially in the South-West, there is the need to have a stakeholders meeting where the matter would be faced headlong and resolved urgently.

 

“Religion, as a way of life, should be practised in such a way that will bring development to the Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.

“There is the need to foster Islamic unity within various sects, since we believe we are worshiping one God, with a view to bringing progress to the entire Yoruba race,” he added.

 

The committee chairman said the conference would look into the immediate and remote causes of crises within and among various sects of Islamic organisations.

 

”This will be with a view to finding lasting solution to several differences,” he stated.

 

Akewugbagold said it was incumbent upon various Islamic bodies’ sects to foster and strengthen Islamic unity and not cause confusion and destabilise the polity.

 

”This is important since their reference point is the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammed,” he said.

 

He said various Islamic scholars and jurists who have the capabilities of doing justice to issues to be discussed at the conference would be in attendance.

 

“We plan to use the conference to bridge the gap between all Muslim kings in the South-West, as well as Islamic scholars and Imams in the region,” Akewugbagold said.

 

He listed dignitaries expected at the event to include President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Sen. Ibukunle Amosun, among others.

 

Akewugbagold said the organisation would use the occasion to honour the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for his contributions towards the development of Islam and peace in the country.

 

He then urged President Tinubu to move the state from being a consuming country to a productive one in order for the country to witness development and be self-dependence

 

Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Yunus Ayilara, said it was no longer in doubt that the present situation of Nigeria’s economy was affecting everyone seriously.

 

Ayilara urged President Tinubu to review some of his economic policies and put measures in place to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

 

He, however, called on Nigerians to be patient with the President and continue to pray for the unity, progress and development of the country.

 

NAN reports that the media briefing was also attended by the Wakiel Muslimin of Yorubaland, Edo State and Delta, Sheikh Kolawole Lawal, and the Grand Chief Imam of Epe, Abiola AbdulRahman.(NAN)

64th Independence Anniversary: Makinde relaxes measures for agric credit loans to smallholder farmers.

 

By Adewale Owoade.

 

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on residents of the state to keep hope alive as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, noting that his government will continue to take decisions that serve the best interest of the people.

 

Governor Makinde stated this on Tuesday, during his Independence Day Address broadcast

 

The governor maintained that as part of decisions to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people, he has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers.

 

According to him, instead of the requirement that allowed only civil servants to guarantee farmers seeking the loan, residents who seek to access the loan can now be guaranteed by community associations, farmers and artisanal associations.

 

He equally declared a six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which has seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun Buses subsidised by more than half.

 

He noted that he has also directed that a similar subsidy be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state.

 

These measures, the governor said, were introduced to reaffirm his government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country.

 

He said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience.

 

“Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity.

 

“They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Rest assured, the sun will rise.

 

“As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State.

 

“This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations.

 

“We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme.

 

“The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions.

 

“Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends.

 

“We will, as a government, continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations.

 

“I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority. During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration.

 

“So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past.

“Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”

Nigeria@64: Keep praying for the good of Nigeria, Makinde urges Nigerians

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for Nigeria and seek the good of the country despite ongoing challenges.

 

Makinde, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, at the Independence Day Walk, one of the activities to commemorate the anniversary, expressed confidence that Nigeria will get better.

 

Adeyemo led the 2.5 kilometre walk which took off from the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan enroute Total Garden Roundabout and terminated at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

 

While describing the exercise as a “Prayer Walk,” he noted that Nigeria is not the only country faced with challenges, as other nations are also experiencing trying times.

 

He prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the leaders in taking the right decisions that will make the country great.

 

“Congratulations to everybody on witnessing another Independence Day. When there is life, there is hope. And because we are still alive, we hope that we will continue to see a better Nigeria.

 

“Let us also give our best to Nigeria. If you want to see a better Nigeria, you must also be doing something within your capacity at your own end.

 

“So, everybody should work towards making Nigeria a better place for us all.

 

“As Nigerians, we should continue to pray for our country. Even the countries that we think are better have their challenges. So, we pray to see the good of Nigeria in our lifetime.

 

“We know we are going through some challenges right now and all the prayers are centred around the fact that God should take control of our leaders.

 

“We pray that God will give them wisdom to make the right decisions for Nigeria to get progressively better and that is what we should be doing everyday for this country,” he said.

 

Top government functionaries that joined the Independence Walk were the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commissioners, other political appointees, permanent secretaries, executive secretaries, general managers, party stalwarts and members of the public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)