Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Productivity in secure environment, solution to Nigeria’s problems — Makinde

    Productivity in secure environment, solution to Nigeria’s problems — Makinde

    Productivity in secure environment, solution to Nigeria’s problems — Makinde

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says productivity in a secure environment will solve many of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

     

    He said this at the special plenary to mark the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly while presenting a State Address at the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ibadan.

     

    Makinde expressed appreciation to the members of the House of Assembly and the people of Oyo State for their support.

     

    He reiterated government’s commitment to building strong institutions in the state, which he referred to as “institutions for posterity.”

    “I am here today to deliver the State of the State Address and I must start by acknowledging that it has been a tough year with untold hardships for our people.

     

    “But as I have always said, our administration was built for times like this; like the eagle, we rise.

     

    “We cannot fix those challenges except we become productive, so we need to be productive. It’s productivity, productivity and productivity that will solve the problem for us.

     

    “For us in Oyo State, we have been having interests from outside of Nigeria, so that tells me that we are doing what is right and our fundamentals are really very strong.

     

    “We know that the only way to get our people out of poverty and into prosperity is by increasing productivity.

     

    “We must attract big businesses into our state and enable them to set up shop, not just in one zone, but all the zones of our dear state.

     

    “Mr Speaker Sir, Honourable Members of the House, economic prosperity would mean nothing in an insecure environment. We have continued to prioritise the safety of our people.

     

    “In the first year of Omituntun 2.0, we supported the security agencies with the resources they need to continue to keep our dear state safe and secure.

     

    “We procured and handed over 135 additional operational vehicles fully equipped with modern communication gadgets.

     

    “One year down, three more to go. By the grace of God, we will continue to build strong institutions in our dear state. I call them institutions for posterity.

     

    “We now have the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), the Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency, the Oyo State Rule of Law Authority, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA).

     

    “The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. We are also strategising to position the Water Corporation of Oyo State for sustainable growth.

     

    “These are the institutions of the future. These institutions will play pivotal roles in the engineering of a modern Oyo State, working with existing ministries, departments and agencies,” Makinde said.

     

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, thanked Makinde for the unflinching support given to the state assembly.

     

    He also stated that the assembly has, in the last one year, worked tirelessly to review and pass important legislations, debated critical issues and represented their constituents with dedication.

     

    “Whatever achievement we have recorded within one year is not without the unflinching support and cooperation of His Excellency Gov. Seyi Makinde, who is taking good governance to a higher level of quality, impact and effectiveness.

     

    “The governor has always been very supportive of the state legislature especially through provisions of required resources, enabling environment and non-interference in our legislative activities.

     

    “It has no doubt been 12 months of steady progress. First, the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly enacted laws that aided the implementation of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER Programme) Agenda of the present administration and the programme is already on course.

     

    “It gladdens my heart to state that this assembly within one year had been able to pass 16 bills into law.

     

    “While four others are presently at various stages of legislative processes, nine out of these bills had been assented to by His Excellency.

     

    “I am pleased to also announce that 66 motions had been sponsored and moved by us, and the committees had presented 35 reports on oversight functions and matters referred to the committees at plenary sittings of the house.

     

    “So far, the house has passed 170 resolutions to the executive arm of government and others for appropriate actions,” he said.

     

    The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; as well as former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Hamid Gbadamosi and Hazeem Gbolarumi.

     

    Also in attendance were Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, political functionaries, traditional and religious leaders, among other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • The International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations confirms the Appointment of Amb. Ojadah

    The International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations confirms the Appointment of Amb. Ojadah

    The International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations confirms the Appointment of Amb. Ojadah

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations, IRDCUN, has confirmed the appointment of Amb. Jonathan Ojadah, as the Permanent Representative of IRDCUN at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America, effective from February 01, 2024.

     

    The appointment was confirmed in a letter signed and presented by the President of the International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations, H.E. Oksana Cernovskaja, on Monday, June 10, 2024, in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

     

    According to the letter: “This appointment is confirmed in the exercise of the powers entrusted to me as President of the International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations – IRDCUN, in accordance with the statutes of the organisation in Lithuania, the European Union.

     

    “I hereby appoint you, Ambassador. Jonathan Emmamuzo Ojadah as Permanent Representative of IRDCUN at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America, effective February 01, 2024.

     

    “Your identification code is IRDCUN/MH-AFR/EU/HQ-07.”

     

    Ambassador Ojadah, Global President and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), and recipient of the 2024 US President Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, said this is a task that must be done successfully.

     

    According to him, he is expected to collaborate with small organisations abroad, international diplomatic clubs, parliaments, presidential palaces, royal families and diplomatic missions in all countries, as well as the European Union, UNICEF, UNESCO, etc.

     

    As such, he is authorized to exercise the powers and privileges of Ambassador and Head of Mission in Africa of the International Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations.

     

    Until this confirmation, Ambassador. Jonathan made a high-level diplomatic tour, including having the honor of meeting and greeting members of the government, Mayors of Lithuanian cities, and attending the awards event at the Presidential Palace where the winners of the Initiative of the President of Lithuania H. E. Gitanas Nausėda – Green Ideas Festival and World Environment Day were awarded.

    President of Lithuania. Together with the Honorable Member of the Seimas of Lithuania Ligita Girskienė, Hon. Minister of Environment Simonas Gentvilas, Mayor of Panevezys Rytis Mykolas Račkauskas, Director of Administration of the Klaipeda City Hall Andrius Žukas, which took place at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius.

    Ojadah’s courtesy visits to prominent Lithuanian personalities were organised by the President of the Royal Diplomatic Club of the United Nations, H.E. Oksana Chernovskaya accompanied by the ambassador. Dr. Rosalyn Adedoyin Amangbo is also appointed Ambassador for Diplomatic Relations and European African Economic Cooperation.

     

    Other notable meetings included a discussion with Kristina L. Aleknene, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce (ULCC) in Vilnius, on opportunities for cooperation to expand investment in Africa and to enhance sponsorship of the Global Peace Congress scheduled for December 2-4. , 2024.

     

    The IRDCUN delegation also met with Vidmantas Janulevičius, President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, which unites more than 54 Lithuanian industry and trade associations.

  • Makinde assents Mobilisation Agency for Economic Devt Bill

    Makinde assents Mobilisation Agency for Economic Devt Bill

    Makinde assents Mobilisation Agency for Economic Devt Bill

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Governor Seyi Makinde’ of Oyo State governor, has signed into law the Executive Bill establishing the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED).

     

    Gov Makinde’ signed the bill which was passed by the House of Assembly into Law ,at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

     

    He announced the appointment of a former Commissioner for Education in the state, Dr Morohunkola Thomas, who is his Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Development, as the Director General of the agency.

     

    He noted that his administration will continue to prioritise economic development in order to solve major challenges in the state.

     

    According to him, the establishment of the agency is in line with his stand that the administration will not only be defined by the massive infrastructure it has built but by the strong institutions it has put in place.

     

    He said: “We are here today to sign one of the most important laws that will shape the future of this administration and our dear state; the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development Bill (2004).

     

    “I want to thank Prof Jerry Ghana, who held a pioneering role as the Director of the Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), after which we have designed OYMASED. Sir, I thank you so much.

     

    “I also thank the members of the Assembly for the timely passage of this Bill and for continuing to collaborate with this administration to deliver good governance to the people.

     

    “With OYMASED, we have an agency that will clarify abstract ideas in our state economic policies and educate our people about the law and political process.

     

    “This agency we are creating today will serve as a rallying point for several key MDAs of the government.”

     

    The governor added, that as a country, we have to prioritise production and we cannot be productive without mobilising our people behind what we want to do.

     

    He stated further that when we broaden our productive base, that is when we know we are tackling the issue of taking our people out of poverty into prosperity.

     

    “There is hunger in the land, which does not reflect where we should be as a nation. So, we must create a framework to harness our potential through mobilisation, sensitisation and advocacy. So, this agency is a key part of the framework.

     

     

    “Also, when economic development is prioritised, continuous education is needed. You cannot win people’s trust if you do not clearly, communicate where you are taking them.

     

     

    “OYMASED will play a big role in the continuous mobilisation and sensitisation of the various demographics in Oyo State for the pursuit of social, economic, political and environmental development,” he said

     

    Also speaking at the OYMASED Office during its commissioning, Governor Makinde reiterated his stance that the state only needs strong institutions to continue to thrive, stating that Nigeria would have to borrow a leaf from the pages of Oyo State in creating strong institutions to address its challenges.

     

    He said, “We don’t need strong men in Oyo State, we only need strong institutions and this is what we are trying to create here. Nigeria will have to take a cue from Oyo State in terms of looking for the best hands wherever you can get them to develop the state.

     

    “Dr Morohunkola Thomas was an Executive Assistant under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and was identified as a good man. I had to go to him and beg him to come and work for the state.

     

    “The state anthem was midwifed by the wife of the late former Governor Ajimobi and we continued with it.

     

    “We don’t care about whether you are APC or Accord or ADC. As long as you have something major to contribute to the development of Oyo State, we will look for you and bring you on board.

     

    “We will break down barriers to ensure that the best in this state are the people we give opportunities to lead us here. We will mobilise all hands and give you the necessary support.

     

    “We are not doing this for the optics but because we know when our people are mobilised behind government policies, we can arrive at our destination faster.”

     

    Earlier in his address, former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, commended Governor Makinde for his giant strides and for establishing OYMASED, which he described as a good initiative.

     

    Professor Gana said the agency would bring development and transformation to the state faster and better through involvement and mobilisation of the people in governance, as they are the major stakeholders.

     

    Presenting the bill earlier, the Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable  Adebo Ogundoyin, thanked the governor for his unrelenting passion for the development of the state, stating that the bill embodies collective aspirations to lay the foundation of a robust framework that would drive the communities.

     

    The Director General of the newly created agency, Dr Thomas, also assured that the objectives for the establishment of OYMASED would be achieved and that the Makinde administration would leave a lasting legacy for coming administrations.

  • Makinde an exemplary governor – NGE

    Makinde an exemplary governor – NGE

    Makinde an exemplary governor – NGE

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as a shining example for other governors to emulate.

     

    The NGE, comprising 72 journalists from various media houses across the country, visited the state to tour the numerous infrastructural projects undertaken by the Makinde administration.

     

    The editors were impressed by the governor’s quality leadership style and his gender-friendly approach, evident in the appointment of women to critical positions in his administration.

     

    During the tour, Governor Makinde showcased various projects, including the 11 megawatts alternative power project, the ongoing 110km circular road project, the Omololu Olunloyo park, and the 65km Ibadan-Iseyin road.

     

    The governor assured that by the end of his second term, his administration will hand over a roadmap for sustainable development in Oyo State beyond 2027.

     

    He also offered $1,000 to any journalist who could find a pothole on the newly constructed 65km Ibadan-Iseyin road, but none was found.

     

    Recall, only last week, President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, came to commission the 76.67km road that links Iseyin to Ogbomoso, making a total of 142km stretch of State road.

     

    At the event, presidency said that history will be kind to the Governor of Oyo State.

     

    At Fashola farm, the governor took the visitors on about 2km walk within the farm as they came in close contact with the reality of the various landmark investments in Agribusiness that quality governance has produced.

     

    Obviously, what the governor is doing is to re-enact the potentials of the old Fashola farms which was established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

     

    According to the Director-General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, the Agribusiness template in Oyo State is currently being employed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, across many countries of the world.

     

    The editors, including an On-Air-Personality with AriseTV and a popular columnist, Dr. Reuben Abati, who praised Governor Makinde’s performance, while the President of the NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, describing his governance as a template for other state governors.

     

    The editors also commended the governor’s reading habit, with Mr. Anaba expressing surprise that some governors still read widely.

     

    The visit was seen as a testament to Governor Makinde’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and the editors urged the people to support his administration’s efforts to develop the state.

     

    Among the NGE that came, we have the Managing Director, the Sun Newspapers, Onuoha Ukeh; the MD, Nigerian Tribune Group of Newspapers, Edward Dickson; the MD, ThisDay Newspapers, Eniola Bello; the MD, The Nation Newspapers, Victor Ifijeh.

     

    The MD, New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayo Aminu; Editor of the Guardian, Dr Femi Adekoya; Editor of The Punch, Dayo Oketola; Editor, Nigerian Tribune, Debo Abdullahi; Editor, Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Lagunju.

     

    Editor, Sunday Tribune, Shina Oladeinde; Editor, ThisDay on Saturday, Chima Obinna; Editor, Saturday Sun, Tope Adeboboye; Arise News AOP/Newspaper Columnist, Dr Reuben Abati; the General Manager, Channels Television, Ambrose Okoh; TVC AOP, Babajide Otitoju, and many more.

  • Music Promoter assures Nigerians of value addition to music industry

    Music Promoter assures Nigerians of value addition to music industry

    Music Promoter assures Nigerians of value addition to music industry

     

    By Adewale Owoade.

     

    Babawale Agboola, the Chief Executive Officer of Purified Entertainment Company, a music promotion organisation, says his organisation will promote songs with morals and add value to the music industry.

     

    Agboola made this known while unveiling the company’s new artistes in Ibadan.

     

    He said that the organisation is committed to empowering, promoting and bringing out new talents in young Nigerians who are determined to succeed in life.

     

    “We are using our platform, Purified Entertainment Company to empower young Nigerians that are talented in creative arts, we are also using the platform to nurture their talent and ensure that their passion becomes a profit-making entity to them.

     

    “Be rest assured that our doors are opened to talented artistes that are hardworking and ready to pursue their careers in showbiz.

     

    “Today, I’m glad to inform this honorable gathering of the newest additions to our quality entertainment brand, with the unveiling and official signing of two artistes into our record label family.

     

    “The duo of David Preye Konwei popularly known with his stage name Davidainojadu and Adediran Mayowa Feranmi with stage name RAVE.

     

    “Having certified the terms and conditions of our record label and the rules of engagement of Purified Entertainment Company, we officially unveiled as our newest signed artistes,” he said

     

    According to him, the door of his company is open for any talented artist that wants to showcase world what God has deposited in him as far as music is concerned.

     

    “They can come in, our team is on ground, if you know you’re a talented artist and you know that you’re going to stand out, you’re welcomed to the family.”

     

    Speaking on behalf of the new signees, David Konwei said they wre ready to face the task ahead by giving the world distinct and exceptional music. (NAN)

  • Mining operations: Makinde mandates LG Chairmen to be alert, responsive

    Mining operations: Makinde mandates LG Chairmen to be alert, responsive

    Mining operations: Makinde mandates LG Chairmen to be alert, responsive

    By Adewale Owoade

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has mandated the 33 newly elected Local Government Chairmen to take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector in their respective areas.

    The governor spoke through the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Oni, during a meeting held at the Agency’s office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Gov. Makinde emphasised the importance of harnessing the state’s mineral resources for the benefit of citizens, noting, however, that the operations in the sector must not be allowed to have adverse effect on the security of lives and property in the state.

    Oni highlighted that while the mining sector is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, states and local governments have a critical role to play in ensuring that mining operations are conducted securely and with the consent of host communities.

    He charged the local government chairmen in the state to ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and Community Development Agreements before commencing operations.

    The Director General emphasised that the primary duty of the government is to protect life and property, and that local government chairmen must take this responsibility seriously, as mining operations can sometimes be accompanied by security risks.

    He urged the chairmen to collaborate with the state government to ensure that Oyo State is not a security risk in the mining industry.

    He said: “Governor Makinde has demonstrated that security is paramount to economic expansion and the wellbeing of the people by investing heavily on securing the state.

    “The government has demonstrated in the last five years that the primary function of securing lives and property is number one on its agenda; so, the government’s resolve to explore mineral development as one of the avenues for shoring up the resources of the state has not in any way eroded that function.

    “As the administrators at the grassroots, security is one of your responsibilities and it is expected that you should live up to that responsibility by protecting your people from the hazards of mining operations.

    “So, let me tell you that as the governor says, if you see something, say something and the government will do something. The governor has shown his passionate commitment to securing Oyo State from the dangerous side effects of mining by signing the Executive Order on Protection of Mining Communities against Insecurity and Exploitation.

    “But as his eyes and ears at the grassroots, you must be alive to your duties by ensuring that the state government is not kept in the dark regarding mining operations in your respective domains.”

    In her own contribution, the Agency’s Coordinating Director, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, encouraged the local government chairmen to take an active role in mining operations in their areas, as it is part of their responsibilities and a key aspect of their election mandate.

    In his goodwill message at the event, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, acknowledged the security challenges associated with mining operations.

    He urged his colleagues to work with the state government to maintain security and protect life and property in their areas.

    The event was attended by local government chairmen, traditional rulers and stakeholders in the mining industry.

  • Makinde raises concern Over activities of illegal miners, Kidnappers in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State

    Makinde raises concern Over activities of illegal miners, Kidnappers in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State

    Makinde raises concern Over activities of illegal miners, Kidnappers in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State

    By Adewale Owoade

    The government of Oyo state has urged the Nigeria Police to strengthen police mobile force 72 Squadron, Ago-Are to rid the state of illegal miners, banditry, kidnapping and other criminalities.

    Governor Makinde who stated this
    while receiving the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South -West, Sylvester Alabi at the Agodi Secretariat

    He said the call became imperative in view of the emerging challenges of illegal miners and banditry in Oyo North area of the state closest to the PMF 72 Squadron.

    Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal said the squadron needed to be strengthened in terms of logistics and necessary tools.

    The Governor who pointed at mineral resources as attraction of criminal and criminalities to the Oke Ogun area of Oyo state, charged the DIG to mobilize his expertise to the zone.

    Governor Makinde expressed the commitment of his administration to continue to support Nigeria police force in securing the state.

    Earlier, DIG Alabi, revealed that the visit was in compliance with directive of Inspector General of Police to interface with police commands and other stakeholders in the South-West region to reduce crime and criminalities.

    DIG Alabi lauded Oyo State Government for its support to the state police command in the task of maintaining law and order.

     

  • French investors to support establishment of whole agribusiness market in Oyo State

    French investors to support establishment of whole agribusiness market in Oyo State

    French investors to support establishment of whole agribusiness market in Oyo State
    By Adewale Owoade
    Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser on Agribusiness to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Dr Debo Akande, has stated that a French firm, SEMMARIS-Rungis International Market, is set to support the establishment of an international wholesale agribusiness market in the state.
    Akande stated this on Wednesday, when a delegation of the firm, including its Head of International Projects, Timothée Witkowski and Consultant-Market Specialist, Steve Allen, paid a courtesy visit to the governor in Ibadan.
    According to the OYSADA DG, the investors plan to complement the Makinde administration’s efforts in the agribusiness sector with the establishment of the market, which will be a major market for agribusiness and for farmers.
    He added that the investors had, before the visit to the governor, gone round the state to see the infrastructure built by the governor in the last five years, the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as well as major markets in the state.
    Akande said: “What they plan to do is to support us in establishing the International Wholesale Agribusiness Market in Oyo State, most likely in Ibadan.
    “This is to complement a lot of work the governor has been doing in agribusiness in the state. This will be a major market for agribusiness and for farmers as well.
    “They have gone round to see most of the facilities that have been built by the governor in the past five years.
    “They have been to lseyin-Moniya road, Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, Bodija Market, Akinyele Market and others to see what is currently on ground and what they can do to advance on that.
    “What they have in France, which we are mirroring ourselves after, is a global market, the largest wholesale market globally and we have seen it. If you go there by 5 a.m, you won’t see anybody because most of the products in that place have been taken by trailers, moving to diverse places in Europe.
    “So, we are anticipating that the growth of agribusiness and agriculture within our state would demand us to have that kind of a centralised system for the wholesale agricultural market.
    “We are building and developing the foundation and when things grow as we are building agricultural industrial hubs in different locations including Fasola, Eruwa, Ijaye, this would be needed and would be required.”
    The OYSADA DG added that the direct benefit of the wholesale market to the people of the state is that the state is becoming highly industrialised and also helping to develop a systematic approach to what farmers in the state would be producing.
    “If a big company wants to come and buy two million tonnes of cassava or yam packed, where will they be getting them from? Currently, they source from different farms and villages, but they would not need to do that any longer because most of these things would be centralised in a place where the farmers can sell them.
    “The farmers will have companies to sell to and these companies can now sell to big companies, which is the concept behind wholesale.
    “If you have a large company that is interested in using cashew, use soya beans or process products as well, it knows the centralised place to come and pick in high volume.
    “It is not now to go to different farms and villages to get 2 tonnes, 3 tonnes and what have you. And this means access to markets for our farmers. It means our farmers will now have access to sell their products at a good price.”
    He maintained that apart from the infrastructure and facilities put in place by Governor Makinde, the state has improved security with the creation of the Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun, while it has also been increasing its resources on security and will continue to do so.
    Speaking earlier, SEMMARIS-Rungis’ Head of International Projects, Witkowski, said Oyo State has great potential and that its central location and the efforts of Governor Makinde have made it a strategic location for the development of wholesale infrastructure for food supply in Nigeria.
    He said: “Oyo State is part of a strategy that we are currently implementing. We are intervening in the framework of the French Development Agency Funding Project, which is under a tripartite arrangement with IFD, SEMMARIS and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
    “The outcome of this study is to basically draw a global strategy for developing wholesale infrastructure to supply products in Nigeria. So, we are currently working on three corridors; Kano and Kaduna states in the North; Port-Harcourt and Onitsha in the South-East and Lagos, Oyo states in the South-West corridor.
    “Given the central location that Oyo State has on the global map of strategic flows of agriculture and also given the potential here; with nine million habitants in the state, we believe that it is a key strategic place for developing a strategic agriculture hub and a wholesale market.
    “It is also in line with other efforts that have been carried out by the state to promote more competitive, more affordable and more sustainable agriculture.
    “So, we are working in line with the strategy and are basically happy to put up the infrastructure in these locations.
    “We have taken our time to tour around different locations here in Oyo State and it is all positive and we believe there is a strong political will, which is not only on paper.
    “We have seen that a lot of projects have been done and are ongoing. For us it is all positive, because for us, if we project ourselves in the long-term, it will create a whole ecosystem that will boost the support and supply.
    “The Rungis Market is a wholesale market, which is located six to seven kilometres away from Paris, and is the biggest wholesale market in the world.
    “We have about 12 billion Euro revenue per year for three million tonnes of products trading every year. We trade several types of products including fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, game, fish and seafood. We also trade in cheese and dairy products and flours.
    “This ecosystem comes from about one thousand companies for about 13,000 direct jobs. It supplies 18 million people on a daily basis.
    “So, when we think about this kind of infrastructure, it is not only good for ensuring food security but also for food safety, because we have adequate infrastructure for the professionals who can supply goods in hygienic ways.
    “So, when you have such a market, it prevents concessions, because you provide a place for the trucks to supply the cities and you prevent them from entering into the cities.
    “This ecosystem is good for an agribusiness environment, good for the development of the city and good also for urban planning.”
  • Good governance, transparent, democratic institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development, says Hon. Uguru

    Good governance, transparent, democratic institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development, says Hon. Uguru

     

    Good governance, transparent, democratic institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development, says Hon. Uguru

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    A member of German Parliament, Berlin, Hon. Kevin Uguru has said that Good governance, transparent, democratic institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development in any country.

     

    Hon. Uguru stated this at the 1st United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) EUROPE Roundtable Meeting, which took place at the Global Village, Berlin Germany which fostered the Inauguration of UNIPGC Europe Executives.

     

    Following the conferment of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award on UNIPGC Global President, Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah by President Joe Biden, Hon. Uguru, congratulated Amb. Ojadah in an official letter and invited him to Berlin.

     

    This visit led to the inauguration of UNIPGC Europe in Germany.

     

    Speaking at the meeting, themed  “The Global Leadership challenges, Resolution strategies from Western Perspective” , Hon Uguru who spoke on “The New Leadership approach to foster growth and sustainability as a pathway for Global Peace and good Governance”.

     

    Noted that transcendent leadership, grounded in servant leadership, offers a promising pathway to increase the trust necessary for global sustainability.

     

    “This type of leadership goes beyond just pursuing organisational goals and instead focuses on serving the greater good and empowering others.Effective and authentic leadership is crucial for driving the needed change towards sustainable development.

     

    “Leaders must have a clear vision and the desire to inspire and empower others to work towards shared national and global goals.

     

    “This requires pursuing more equitable and effective global economic governance, including through reform of the international financial architecture.

     

    “As we approach the halfway mark to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, there is a pressing need to accelerate progress through improved leadership and governance.

     

    “Fostering greater civic engagement and participation in advancing these shared goals is also important.

     

    “The new leadership approach to foster growth and sustainability as a pathway for global peace and good governance must combine transcendent and servant leadership, authentic vision, good governance, and greater civic engagement,” he said.

     

    Also at the event, a German Medical Practitioner & Scientist, Dr OSCAR KAMGA WAMBO, spoke extensively on the Global Health Challenges of vulnerable and people at remote places as Tools to consolidate on sustainable development Goals.

     

    He explained that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to address global health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations and those in remote areas.

     

    “Some key considerations in using health challenges to consolidate progress on the SDGs include:

     

    Improving access to healthcare services: Barriers such as infrastructure, equipment, internet, and electricity access can hinder healthcare delivery in remote and underserved regions.

     

    “Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential health services.

     

    “Addressing social determinants of health : The SDGs recognise that health is influenced by factors beyond just healthcare, such as poverty, education, and environmental conditions.

     

    ” Addressing these social determinants of health is critical for improving overall well-being.

     

    ” Leveraging innovation: Innovative approaches like telemedicine and decentralized healthcare can help expand access to care in remote areas. Investing in such innovations can be a powerful tool for advancing the health-related SDGs,” he emphasised.

     

    The final key note speech was delivered by an Aeronautics Space Tech & Consultant, Engr. Nurudeen Inwanfero, who looked at the Strategical Plans and Goals of UNIPGC Germany for its Establishment & Affirmation of the Mission & Goals of UNIPGC from global Perspective.

     

    He noted that the strategic plans and goals of UNIPGC Germany appear to be focused on advancing its mission and objectives through various means.

     

    “UNIPGC Germany aims to achieve its goals and vision through activities such as enlightenment, seminars, conferences, interventions, conflict resolutions, mediations, and publications.

     

    “The key goals and objectives of UNIPGC Germany include establishing partnerships and bilateral relationships with other investment, development and economic entities.

     

    “Accomplishing these goals and objectives will enable Germany to achieve its overall vision. From a global perspective, UNIPGC Germany seeks to feed its ideas on global issues into the international community, leveraging its dense network of missions abroad.

     

    “As a high-tech hub and globalized economy, Germany is committed to promoting a digital order that advances democracy, freedom, and prosperity worldwide.

     

    “Additionally, UNIPGC provides trainings, capacity building and academic operations including seminars in conflict management, conflict resolution and peace education, which support its mission.

     

    “Overall, the strategic plans and goals of UNIPGC Germany appear to focus on establishing partnerships, advancing its vision and ideas globally, and supporting peace and prosperity through various programmatic activities.

     

    In his closing remark, Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojedah, gave vote of thanks, acknowledging and endorsing the UNIPGC Europe Leaders.

     

    He applauded efforts of the executives to actualize the establishment of UNIPGC in Germany while confirming appointment of the executives.

     

    Dr Jonathan Ojadah then confered Hon. Kevin Uguru with the position of Secretary General, UNIPGC Europe, while Engr. Nurudeen Inwanfero confered with the position of country director, UNIPGC Germany and Dr. Oscar Kamga Wambo was confered Chairman Committee On Healthcare & Social Welfare.

     

    Official inauguration ceremony is proposed to hold in Berlin, Germany later in the year.