Author: Wale Owoade

 

Support Tinubu’s Reforms, Shelve Protest- Adeyeye Tells Nigerians

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), has appealed to Nigerians to shelve the August 1st scheduled protest and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

He told newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan that the planned protest would bring untold hardship, given the current situation in Nigeria.

Adeyeye expressed concern that hoodlums and miscreants could hijack the protest, undermining the organizers’ good intentions.

 

“The fear that we have is that hoodlums, miscreants, and evil people will hijack the protest, turn it violent, and bring untold hardship on innocent people.”

 

Adeyeye, also the Chairman of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), expressed confidence that the President’s economic policies would benefit Nigerians in the long run.

“I appeal to Nigerians to be patient, exercise restraint, and give the government more room to operate

 

“I am confident that the President’s economic policies will ultimately yield fruitful dividends for the people of this country.”

 

He noted that the President has proven to be a listening leader who understands the struggles of Nigerians.

The former minister praised the President’s achievements since assuming office, highlighting efforts to lift Nigeria from its current challenges.

 

Adeyeye listed achievements such as the students’ loan programme, Local Government Autonomy, security re-engineering, and palliatives distribution.

 

He also mentioned ongoing reforms aimed at returning the country to the path of progress and prosperity.

The former minister commended the federal government for the regular distribution of palliatives, urging involvement of reputable associations in the process.

 

Adeyeye stressed that involving such groups would ensure palliatives reach the targeted grassroots people.(NAN)

Alake of Egbaland commissions modern 600 bed spaces Taofikat’s Hostel in University of Ibadan.

Olatunde Ajayi

The Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo on Wednesday commissioned a modern 600 bed spaces Hall of Residence and supermarket built by the Otun Iyalode Of Egba land, Chief Mrs Taofikat Abolaji Afolabi, at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

The Monarch in his remarks, commended Afolabi for the project. He stated that the project is an individual contribution towards education, adding that the government alone cannot do everything that has to do with education.

He urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such projects and invest in education. The monarch, however, noted that such investments in education would not only be of benefit to the students but also to the donour of the project.

In his goodwill message during the event, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, expressed gratitude to Afolabi, saying that the hostel is very special, as it would go a long way towards ameliorating the sufferings of students on campus who are finding it difficult to get accommodation.

The project, according to Professor Adebowale, signifies a milestone in the university’s commitment to
improving students’ living conditions on campus and increasing the number of bed spaces to ensure that
students study in a more improved, decent, conducive, and serene atmosphere.

Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, noted that the hostel will reduce the stress being faced by the students.

The VC appealed to students to make the best use of the facility, ensure decency, and shun acts that could sabotage the resources that the donour has committed to making their hostel experience more pleasurable.

Speaking, the proprietress of the project and Iyalode Parakoyi of Ibadan Land, Alhaja Taofikat Afolabi, stated that the project is a symbol of her commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, growth, and development.

Afolabi also added that the hub is designed to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for students to focus on their studies.

Adding that the hub is not just a hostel but a hub for innovation, creativity, and excellence, it is also a
place where minds will meet, ideas will be born, and futures will be shaped.

“The grand opening of Iyalode Taofikat Hub, this magnificent new hostel, is a dream come true for me, and I am thrilled to share this momentous occasion with all of you.

“This hub is more than just a building; it is a symbol of our commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, growth, and development.

“It is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and collaboration. I am proud to have played a part in making this vision a reality, and I am grateful to the university authorities for their support and partnership.

“As a philanthropist and a champion of education, I believe that every individual deserves access to
quality education and comfortable living conditions.

“This hub is designed to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for students to focus on their studies, build lasting relationships, and create unforgettable memories.

“Iyalode Taofikat Hub is not just a hostel; it is a hub for innovation, creativity, and excellence. It is a
place where minds will meet, ideas will be born, and futures will be shaped.

“I envision this space as a catalyst for academic excellence, personal growth, and community
development. Within this hub, you will find state-of-the-art facilities, including a restaurant serving delicious and nutritious meals, a bakery offering fresh bread and pastries, and a supermarket stocked with all your daily needs.

“To the students who will call this hub home, I charge you to make the most of this opportunity.
Embrace the spirit of community, respect one another’s differences, and support each other’s
aspirations.

“Remember that your time here is a precious gift; use it wisely. I pray that the students who pass
through this hostel will attain higher levels of success, so I can be proud of them,” she concluded.

We’ll upgrade Ibadan Airport in 18 months – Makinde

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, says his administration will achieve the upgrade of Ibadan airport to international standard in 18 months.

 

Makinde said this at the Hijrah 1446 luncheon organised by the state government on Wednesday, in Ibadan.

 

The governor who said that the state had the resources to drive the project, urged the people to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace would reign irrespective of religious differences.

 

He said his administration would continue to do things in the interest of the people and the development of the state.

“This is a responsible government and it is your government and we will always do things in the best interest of Oyo State.

 

“Before the end of this week, I will make announcement on the committee that will champion the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport.

 

“I am more than confident now that before my tenure ends, those going for Hajj operation would take off from Ibadan to Mecca and Medina.

 

“When I make the announcement on or before Friday, I will give them 18 months to complete everything, because we have the money to make it happen.

“So, my message for us is to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign supreme.”

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of the state, Bayo Lawal, acknowledged the total support of Governor Makinde to the Muslim Ummah, saying this had ensured peace and development in the state.

 

In his lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Sheik Najimudeen Alkubroh, extolled the uncommon virtues of Governor Makinde.

He noted that with his style of leadership, he had proven to be the kind of “worthy leader that Nigeria needs.”

 

The chairman on the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, called on Muslims and Islamic scholars to always remember the new calendar year and teach their followers the importance of Hijrah.

 

In their separate goodwill messages, Prof. Kamil Olosho, Prof. Musliudeen Yahya and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu emphasised the need for the declaration of Hijrah holiday in the country.

 

In his speech, the chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Atere, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support towards the 2024 Hajj exercise.

 

The event had in attendance the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; wife of a former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja.

 

Also in attendance were Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere; members of the League of Imams and Alfas and other top government functionaries, among others. (NAN)

OWO

Dr Omokaro Enjoins State Governments to domesticate the NSCC Act.

By Adewale Owoade

The Director General of National Senior Citizens Centre, NSCC, Dr Emem Omokaro has enjoined State Governments, where 70% of older persons reside, to domesticate the NSCC Act 2017

Omokaro said this during the dedication and opening of the first Community Senior Centre in Oyo State, at Kudeti in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The centre was named after late Chief Leticia Edith Laniyonu, to mark one Year remembrance of the late Chief .

Dr Omokaro stated further that the state governments should develop State policies on Ageing and partner with NSCC to cascade the programs to older persons in the States.

The Director General of NSCC, also commended the humanitarian work of the Co-Chair and Facilitator, NSCC Oyo State Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing and founder of Dementia Care Society of Nigeria, Chief Kikelomo Laniyonu-Edwards and the Anglican Communion, Ibadan South Diocese in Oyo State.

She said the actualisation of the project was born out of a Memorandum of Understanding and authentic partnership between Chief Kikelomo Edwards and the Church.

The Leticia senior center which will be operated in line with NSCC One Community One Senior Center Initiative, will be manned by trained and certified officials and will offer programs promoting cross- generational learning, healthy ageing activities and up-skilling and capacity enhancement that would boost interaction among the seniors and the youths in Oyo State.

Dr Omokaro said the late Chief Leticia Ayodele Laniyonu was a formidable Stakeholder in the pioneering work of National Senior Citizens Centre through participation in the National Assessment of Senior-Citizens-led Arts and Crafts empowerment program, a partnership between NSCC and NDE which brought about a landmark publication which brought to fore the strategic place of Nigeria’s Senior Citizens in the craft industry.

Dr Omokaro, represented at the ceremony by the Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications of NSCC, Mr Omini Oden recalled that Chief Leticia’s life even at old age was focused on knowledge and skills transfer to the younger generation as she often made deep insights during NSCC’s stakeholders national engagements.

Describing the dedication of the building in memory of Chief Leticia as significant and deeply fulfilling, hoping that as the first Community Senior Citizens Centre in Oyo State, it will be put to proper use to the benefit of Senior Citizens.

She informed that NSCC has developed Health and Social Care. Livelihood, Continuing Engagement, Agefriendly programs and Services with institutional systems and mechanisms to ensure that older persons are mainstreamed into already existing relevant Federal and State government programs, and new programs and services planned, Pilot tested with a sector-wide approach to show that they work absolutely and can be integrated into States Development Plans and programs and funded.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Oyo State branch, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, thanked Dr Omokaro for the “huge job” she is doing for Senior Citizens in Nigeria.

 

One of the highlights at the One Year Remembrance and Dedication of Kudeti First Community Senior Centre in Oyo State was the presentation of NSCC’s policy documents by NSCC DG, Emem Omokaro Ph.D

The documents presented are; copies of About the National Senior Citizens Centre Programs and Services and NSCC’s National Plan of Action on Ageing in Nigeria and Project Activities 2021-2025 as well as branded NSCC bags for use at the Leticia Laniyonu House.

Daughter of the late Chief Mrs Leticia Edith Ayodele Laniyonu, Chief Kikelomo Laniyonu-Edwards is the Co-Chair and Facilitator, NSCC Oyo State Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing and founder of Dementia Care Society of Nigeria.

 

LG Autonomy: OYACA Vows To Prosecute Corrupt LG Chairmen

By Adewale Owoade

The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA, has vowed to investigate and see to the prosecution of any local government Chairman that is accused of corrupt practices in the State.

This is in response to questions from journalists by the Chairman of OYACA, Justice Eni Esan (rtd) on the roles of the agency in curbing corruptive tendencies associated to the local government system and the general insinuations about possible mismanagement of funds by the council Chairmen.

Recall that the Supreme Court recently gave judgement that called for direct payment of Local Government allocation to their respective accounts.

Esan, who spoke at a sensitisation programme on the Roles of Stakeholders in The Fight Against Corruption, organided by the agency for Directors of Ministries, Directorate and Agencies (MDAs) of Oyo State Government at Ibadan on Thursday.

She stated that her OYACA poised to look into any petition against any local government Chairman, forwarded to the agency, investigate and bring the culprit to book.

“OYACA will look into any petition and bring whoever is guilty to book, whether the person is a Local Government Chairman or a member of the council administrators, whatever position the person is holding, OYACA is no respecter of persons.

“We have investigated the highs and the mighty, so it doesn’t make any difference to us, once there is an allegation of corruption.

“We are backed by law to bring the perpetrators to book, either by taking them to court to indict them or we advise the Civil Service to invoke its rules to punish the perpetrators if they are Civil servants.”

Esan added that the agency has spent much efforts on preventive measures to nip corruption in the bud with the use of orientation, sensitisation and advocacy approaches to bring every sector of the society into terms with the effects of corrupt acts in the State.

The retired Justice maintained that the approach has helped to prevent corrupt practices, as people’s mindsets has changed for better, knowing the consequences of the act from the advocacy programmes.

“Sensitisation is a huge part of nipping corruption in the bud, like what you just witnessed at this event where Directors of MDAs were sensitised about what corruption is, its effects on the State’s economy and the society, the punishment that await perpetrators as well as roles they can play to prevent corruption.

“We have been doing this all over the State, so it is not business as usual, as the psyche of the people has changed, their mindset have changed, people who wanted to engage in corruption, when they listen to us, they change their minds.”

The event was witnessed by Board and management members of OYACA, among whom are; Deaconess Afe Olopade, a board member, Barrister Tijani I. O, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Mrs Folasade Ajibade Director, Information and Technology.

Others are Mr Lere Omotoso, Director, Administration and Supply as well as Mr Akindele Azeez who is the Director, Finance and Administration.

LG autonomy: Makinde tasks states to boost IGR through productivity

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Hours after the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on states to focus more on productive activities that can boost their internally generated revenue.

 

Makinde said this at his investiture as the Grand Patron of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, by the NUJ national body.

 

“It’s a big shame for this country that we cannot feed ourselves. We should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and economic progress.

 

“I would say that it (Supreme Court judgment) has nothing to do with us here in Oyo State because since I came in, we’ve conducted local government elections twice.

 

“There’s been no caretaker anywhere, we planned and gave allowance for the election process to go on smoothly. So, it’s not a big problem for us.

 

“The issue we have is that we’re not producing enough, we’re not productive.

 

“Whatever it is that we’re sharing in Abuja, which is what this FAAC is all about, you want to have value for it, but our real problem is productivity,” he said.

 

The governor also charged journalists to set aside personal and parochial interests and focus on national interest in the discharge of their duties.

“Whatever anyone wants to become, it is only possible when we have a country. So, all of us, including journalists, must always be guided by the overriding interests of developing our state and the country.

 

“Journalists must practice development journalism that stands for the interest of the generality of the people,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, NUJ President, Dr Chris Isiguzo, commended Makinde for his people-oriented projects across the state, which he noted had impacted the internally generated revenue of the state positively.

 

He added that the recognition as grand patron was meant to identify and appreciate him as one of the leaders with meaningful impact. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)