Author: Wale Owoade

Makinde engages stakeholders on 2025 budget, Unveils Agenda 2040 for Oyo State

By Adewale Owoade

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has held a Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting on its 2025 Budget, to create a conducive environment and job opportunities for the people.

Makinde at the event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, also unveiled the Oyo State Agenda 2040.
The meeting had in attendance, representatives of development partners, community associations, labour union, market groups and other stakeholders.

“So, we have come to you again to request your input into the 2025 budget. I have always said to people that we don’t know it all.

“When we come to you, we expect to understand your pains and how best to use the budget to alleviate those pains.

“As I always say, this is your government and we will always act in your best interest.

“I am a strong believer in using the available data, coupled with logic and science to solve problems.

“In addition, I acknowledge that proper documentation plays a key role in strategic problem-solving. And this is why this event also doubles as the unveiling agenda of 2040 and medium-term plan for Oyo State.

“This is why we are always looking for ways and means to make things easier for our people.”

Earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Musbau Babatunde, said Oyo State budgets have over the last five years, turned out well and worked in the interest of the people because of the bottom-up approach to its preparation.

Similarly, Hon Sunkanmi Babalola, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Budget, Public Accounts, Finance and Appropriation, assured residents of the readiness of the legislation to see to the equitable implementation of the budget.

Representatives of development partners, community associations, market groups and other stakeholders who spoke at the event lauded the inclusive approach to budgeting, expressing the confidence that the 2025 budget will be people-oriented.

Makinde later unveiled the Agenda 2040 for Oyo State and the Five Years Medium Term Development Plan 2023-2027, driven by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with the support of DFID/PERL, DAWN Commission, UNICEF and the University of Ibadan Ventures Limited (Consultancy Service Unit) (NAN)
OWO

UNICEF seeks active participation of traditional leaders in children immunization uptake in Oyo

By Olatunde Ajayi

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for active participation of traditional leaders in routine immunization programmes to increase uptake of childhood immunization in Oyo state.

The Social Policy Manager, UNICEF, Lagos Field Office, Muhammad Okorie, made the call on Wednesday during an advocacy dialogue with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and other key traditional leaders in Ibadan.

Okorie said that the aim of the advocacy visit was to build relationships with traditional leaders who are seen as custodians of social norms to level their relationship to promote routine immunization in the state.

He added that UNICEF in collaboration with Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board and other stakeholders has also organised a football tournament tagged: “kick to keep Polio at Zero” to bring men together to sensitise them to support their wives to get their children immunized.

Okorie said that a lot of diseases that contribute to child mortality could be prevented through antigens which are delivered through immunization.

He noted that the primary target of the advocacy visit were children because every parent respects the position of traditional rulers.

“Our focus is to reach the duty bearers for children, as UNICEF, our interest is in children, for us to reach the children, we have to reach them through their parents and to reach their parents we have to go through the traditional institution that the parents respect.

“If we bring vaccination closer to children, we also need to bring the parents closer to vaccination. We appreciate what they have been doing in mobilising parents to bring their children to primary healthcare centres for routine immunization, “he said.

Also speaking, a Social and Behaviour Change Specialist from UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, said that the football tournament is a community led and a community focused intervention to increase male involvement in routine immunization.

“One of the gaps we have identified in the state is that most times, women are saddled with the responsibility of taking their children for vaccination but if we don’t get consent of fathers, we may not be able to get enough children immunized.

“Most times, when we have rejections to immunization, mothers would tell us that the fathers have not given consent.

“That is the reason why we are using the football tournament as a tool and instrument to drag men to become actively involved in their children’s immunization, “she said.

Also, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Johnson Osoko, said that the community leaders play a significant role in ensuring that all disease interventions are successful.

“It is very important to educate our traditional rulers who have the authority in the land so that through them the whole communities would be mobilised to control and prevent outbreak of epidemics, “he said.

Earlier, the Tournament Sport Consultant , Coach Femi Olatunji, said that the reason behind the tournament was to use football to gather men to encourage them to allow their wives to go for vaccination for their children.

He lauded UNICEF for deploying sports as a new innovation to pass the message of immunization across to the men to educate them on the need to support their wives to go for immunization of their children.

“Football field is one of the places where we can see 500 to 1000 men gathered together, this tournament provides access to educate men in large numbers to be actively involved in children immunization programmes.

Speaking on behalf of Olubadan, the Maye of Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Alabi, expressed readiness of traditional leaders in Ibadanland to support efforts of UNICEF and other partners in bringing immunization closer to children in the state.

Upgraded Ibadan Airport will connect Oyo to global market, bring investments – Makinde

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international airport will position Ibadan as a true regional business hub.
Gov Makinde at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the airport said it would improve the ease of doing business, and bring in investments in agribusiness, manufacturing and technology sectors.

Recall that the Federal government granted the Oyo State government the approval for the upgrade of the facility, and an 11-man committee headed by a former Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, was inaugurated to deliver on the project.

Makinde, noted that the project had been awarded to Messrs Craneburg at the cost of N41 billion, and promised to do everything possible to ensure that the project is delivered in the next 12 months.

“Let me specially thank the members of the committee, who worked on the project in the last six weeks to make it possible for the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place today.

“Some people do not think that upgrading this airport at this time is a good idea, but the decision to upgrade this airport to international standard is based on data and logic. In the next twelve months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope.

“The groundbreaking is the first phase. The second phase is the terminal itself. Once we do the runway and air-field lighting, we will have the terminal and they will be delivered about the same time.

“We don’t want to wait. After this groundbreaking, the committee will be working to kick-start the process that will ensure that complementary projects within the airport are also going to start.”

Earlier, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, congratulated Governor Makinde on the groundbreaking ceremony, describing him as a man of vision and a passionate agent of development in Oyo State.

In his welcome remarks, Air Commodore Victor Ajiboye, the Commander, National Air Defence Corps, Nigerian Air Force, Ikeja, Lagos, and a member of the Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee, said the completion of the project, would position Ibadan as an economic hub in South-West Nigeria.

The representative of the Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola family, Chief Akinwunmi Akintola, thanked Governor Makinde for remembering and honouring the family with the legacy project.

Also in their separate goodwill remarks, Acting Chairman, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Francis Balogun and the representative of Airport Community Development Association, Dr Ogunsesan thanked the governor for the initiative and his vision of upgrading the airport to international standard after 40 years of existence.

The Chairman of the Airport Upgrade Committee, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, said the project would promote economic growth and enhance passengers experience.

The event had in attendance Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; among others. (NAN)

Oyo Deputy Governor urges Road Traffic Marshals on Decisiveness, Diligence

By Adewale Owoade

Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, has urged the Marshals of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) to be decisive and diligent in their work.

Lawal gave the charge while declaring open a one-day workshop for OYRTMA marshals on Thursday in Ibadan.

The workshop, attended by over 100 voluntary participants, aimed to train volunteers who will support OYRTMA in managing road traffic across the state.

Lawal, represented by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Dawud Sangodoyin, commended OYRTMA for its good work and assured the agency of government’s support.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, retired Maj. Adekoya Adesagba stated that the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the agency’s history.

He highlighted the collective dedication to road users’ safety and well-being in Oyo State and praised the volunteers for their selfless commitment and noble efforts.

“The introduction of the OYRTMA Marshal, is a clear reflection of His Excellency’s dedication to the safety of every road user.

“Your acceptance to serve is a powerful affirmation of your selfless commitment to the welfare of our state. Your contributions, whether in time, energy, resources, or expertise are invaluable.

“I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless and reward your noble efforts.”

Retired Maj. Adekunle Salau, inducted as the patron, emphasised that road accident management was everyone’s business and lauded Gov. Makinde for his visionary leadership.

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, represented by Mrs. Kashifa Oloso-Olayiwola, assured the OYRTMA Marshals of her agency’s full support.

Some OYRTMA Marshals expressed their readiness to support OYRTMA, describing it as a call to duty.

The workshop covered topics such as traffic management and traffic signal optimisation.( NAN)

Oyo Traffic Tribunal Commences Sitting, Tries 43 Offenders, Discharges 2 Without Fines

By Adewale Owoade

The Oyo State Traffic Violation Tribunal, established by the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the Oyo State Rule of Law Agency, began its sittings on Monday in Ibadan.

OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adesagba Adekoya (Rtd), said this while speaking to Journalists on Wednesday, in Ibadan.

The inaugural sitting, presided over by Barrister Wasiu Raheem, heard 43 cases of traffic offenders. While some were found guilty and fined, two individuals were discharged without fines.

Major Adekoya emphasised that the tribunal aims to maintain road discipline, reduce corruption, and ensure a fair and transparent process for addressing traffic offenses.

He warned Zonal Commanders against manual fine collection, stressing that offenders must pay fines directly into government coffers.

To prevent fraud, the Agency is introducing an automated fine payment system, simplifying the payment process and reducing the risk of fraud. The system will also ensure accountability in the payment process.

Major Adekoya commended the tribunal members and staff for their hard work and dedication. He assured the public that the tribunal will continue to work tirelessly to ensure road discipline and reduce corruption in the state’s traffic management system.

The next tribunal sitting is scheduled soon, and the public is advised to cooperate with the tribunal for a smooth and successful process.

Chief Michael Koleoso was a pivotal figure in my political journey – Prof. Taoheed Adedoja

By Adewale Owoade

Professor Taoheed Adedoja, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former Minister for Sports and Special Duties, has expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of Chief Michael Koleoso, a renowned figure in Oyo State politics, who died recently at the age of 86.

In a condolence message to the family, Prof Adedoja fondly remembered the significant role Chief Koleoso played, alongside the late Governor Lam Adeshina, in his emergence as the Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate in Oyo State in 2007. He specifically acknowledged Chief Koleoso’s efforts in mobilising leaders and grassroots politicians in the Okeogun zone during the 2007 campaign.

Prof Adedoja also recalled that Chief Koleoso’s junior brother, the late Senator Robert Koleoso, was his running mate in the 1998 governorship election under the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) during the late General Sanni Abacha’s military regime.

“My family, political associates, and I will forever remember Chief Michael Koleoso. He was a likeable person, a grassroots mobiliser, and elder statesman whose political influence extended beyond Okeogun, radiating throughout Oyo State’s political landscape.

“He was a pivotal figure in my political journey, leaving an indelible mark on my career. His guidance, support, and mentorship played a significant role in shaping my political path.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Michael Koleoso, who was instrumental in my political development. His leadership, wisdom, and influence had a profound impact on my political life.”

Corps Members Help Take Anti-Corruption Campaign to Rural Areas – Oyo NYSC

By Adewale Owoade

The Oyo State Camp Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Comrade Odoba Abel, has revealed that corps members have been working as ambassadors of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) to orientate people in rural areas.

Speaking during a sensitisation program at the Oyo State Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Odoba commended the state government for establishing OYACA and equipping it with resources to rehabilitate young minds.

He emphasised the impact of the periodic sensitisation campaigns on corps members, reshaping their characters for developmental programs and their lives after NYSC.

Odoba encouraged other states to emulate Oyo by establishing anti-corruption agencies, stating that corps members are passing on the anti-corruption message to rural dwellers, secondary schools, and their places of primary assignment.

“The corps members come to the orientation camp with various tendencies, and NYSC is seen as a moralistic ground where morals are taught and where Corp members are graduated with good moral and character.

“These students are like your extension in the rural areas. Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency is very important and I wish that all states of the federation have an independent anti-corruption agencies to continue this work. there should be anti-corruption agency of each state,” he said.

The Chairman of OYACA, Justice Eni Esan (rtd.), represented by the Executive Secretary, Barr. Ibrahim Tijani Esq., emphasised the importance of the enlightenment campaign, urging corps members to report corrupt acts to OYACA offices or the website ( https://www.oyaca.ng).

“We decided to extend our enlightenment campaigns to the NYSC members because you will soon be posted to the nooks and crannies of Oyo State for your primary assignments to serve in different MDAs (Ministries, Departments, Agencies) and other government establishments.

“In addition, as the future leaders of this nation, we want you to imbibe the anti corruption spirit from the onset so as to guard against corruption and prevent all forms of corrupt practices that are predominant in the society.

“Your petitions can be submitted directly to our office at Quarter 473, Fajimi Street, Agodi GRA, Ibadan and also at our branch offices at Iseyin, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Saki. Eruwa, Oluyole also at our website at www.oyaca.ng,” he stated.

Also present at the event was Deaconess Esther Olopade (a board member of OYACA, Mrs Folashade Ajibade, Director ICT, Mr. Lere Omotoso, Director Administration and Supply and Mr. Azeez Tajudeen, who is the Director Finance and Administration.