Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Family disowns Ogbomoso Chief Imam, condemn his disrespectful attitude to Soun

    Family disowns Ogbomoso Chief Imam, condemn his disrespectful attitude to Soun

    Family disowns Ogbomoso Chief Imam, condemn his disrespectful attitude to Soun

     

     

    The Imam Ayilara family of Ogbomosoland has frowned at the deprecating insults consistently hurled at the Soun of Ogbomoso and Muslim organisations in the town by the Ogbomoso Chief Imam, Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina.

     

     

    The family spokesperson, Prince Hassan Kareem Ayilara, at a news conference in Ibadan, described Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina’s  action as a pathetic act of desperation and a diversionary attempt to cover his fraud.

     

     

    Prince Hassan Kareem Ayilara reiterated that Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina has been sent away from the Imam Ayilara family quarters of Ogbomoso long time ago since when the family detected that he was an imposter and not original son of Ayilara family of Ogbomoso.

     

     

    He noted that the Chief Imam has brought disrepute to the Imam Ayilara family, to the prestigious throne of Ogbomnosoland and to the image of the entire Muslim Community of Ogbomosoland.

     

     

    “We dissociate ourselves from his effrontery. We can never be part of that as we hold the Soun of Ogbomosoland in high esteem, whose dynasty made our forefathers Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland.

     

     

    “It’s brazenness on his part to have sued the Soun and the Soun-in-Council to court that they had no power to remove him even though they installed him.

     

     

    “Ayilara family is not in support of alleged threat calls to Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Chiefs by the Chief Personal Assistants of Alfa Teliat Yunus as reported on 7th November, 2023, in some online news platforms.

     

     

    “Also, we condemn the attacks and molestations by hoodlums of individuals and family houses on 28th December, 2022; 3rd September, 2023; 25th October, 2023; 26th October, 2023; and 6th February, 2024 in which various properties were destroyed and people seriously injured.

     

     

    “There is no person known as Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina in the Imam Ayilara family of Ogbomoso, he is an imposter and has been using the social media to blackmail the Soun of Ogbomsoland simply because Kabiyesi is a Christian, this is not a religious issue at all, it is purely a family affair, “he said.

     

     

    Prince Hassan Kareem Ayilara added that genuine Imam Ayilara descendants vehemently protested from the outset before the screening when the name of Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina was put forward by some powerful forces to rob the family.

     

     

    “We lodged our protest at the Ogbomoso Palace but these powerful interests blocked our protest.

     

     

    “Since we are convinced that Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina is not from the Ayilara family, we persisted in vigorous protest. We took the matter to the Soun-in-Council and we equally expressed our grievances to the Body of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogbomosoland.

     

     

    “The Soun-in-Council instituted a panel which carried out a thorough investigation. The panel discovered that Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina has no blood affinity with Imam Ayilara family, whether male or female Iine, As a result, he was advised in writing to step aside from the Imamship of Ogbomosoland. That was on November 10, 2022.

     

     

    “On the heels of that, the Body of League of Imams and Alfas of Ogbomosoland also probed the allegation by inviting all the members of the lmam Ayilara family to present the history of the family. Only Alfa Teliat Yunus Olushina shunned the panel.

     

     

    “The family meeting re-assessed his claim and undertook another careful verification against the background of his claims in some forums in the past that he belonged to four different lineages at various times.

     

     

    “He is not from the real Abass Ayilara family and the three others he claims to belong to have no blood affinity with us. So, we again found his claims false and we unanimously decided that Alfa Teliat Yunus Olusina has no genealogical relationship with Imam Ayilara family. And so, we issued a disclaimer letter, “he said.

     

     

    It would be recalled that there were unsettled issues over the nomination of the right person to occupy the position of Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland from Imam Ayilara family after the demise of last Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Sanusi Ashifa.

     

     

    The members of Imam Ayilara family present at the press conference include Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulwahab Ayilara(Baale),  Alhaji Yekini Asafa(Mogaji Ayilara),  Alhaji Ganiyu Atanda Owodunni(Aare), Alhaji Surajudeen Alimi(Pakoyi of Ogbomoso),  Alhaji Bello AbdulRasak(Balogun Ogbomoso),  Prince Hassan Kareem Ayilara(Family spokesperson),  Alhaji AbdulYekeen Adetunji and other notable family members.

  • PDP clears Oyo LG polls

    PDP clears Oyo LG polls

     

    PDP clears Oyo LG polls

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won the chairmanship seats in all the 33 local governments in Oyo State following Saturday’s council elections.

     

    The announcement was made at the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) headquarters in Ibadan by the returning officers for the local governments.

    Chairman of the Commission, Isiaka Olagunju, while speaking to journalists, attributed the success recorded in the exercise to the support given by Gov. Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders.

     

    The OYSIEC chairman, who doubles as the Chief Returning Officer, however acknowledged the fact that there were some aspects of the elections that required improvement.

     

    He said such areas would reflect in the elections report that would be submitted to the state government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makinde, while commenting on the elections on Saturday, had said the security report about the elections had been excellent, indicating that it was violence-free.

     

    He noted that his administration had successfully eradicated caretaker administration at the local government level, which had made people not have a say in who should govern them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • We practice democracy at grassroots in Oyo State, Makinde says

    We practice democracy at grassroots in Oyo State, Makinde says

    We practice democracy at grassroots in Oyo State, Makinde says

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says the state is committed to practicing democracy at the grassroots.

     

    The governor said these after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of the State.

     

    Oyo state held election for chairmen and counselors across its 33 local government areas, to choose who would lead them at the grassroots levels.

    Addressing journalists after exercising his franchise, Gov. Makinde said that the security report about the election had been excellent, saying those who witnessed any untoward development should report same to the security agencies.

     

     

    “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practice. This is almost our 5th year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.

     

    “Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.

     

    “You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people.

    “For the people, accept the outcome, and if you see anything untoward as far as this exercise is concern, please bring it up to the authority and they will deal with it,” Makinde said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, Mr Isiaka Olagunju, with heads of security agencies in the state, were on ground to monitor the election.

     

    NAN also reports that the election was generally peaceful at the time of filling this report. (NAN)

  • SAfER: 2,537 farmers benefit as Oyo distributes inputs

    SAfER: 2,537 farmers benefit as Oyo distributes inputs

        

    SAfER: 2,537 farmers benefit as Oyo distributes inputs

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Oyo State Government has commenced the fourth phase of the distribution of agricultural inputs to 2,537 farmers across the state.

     

    Cassava stems, hybrid maize seedlings, herbicides and knap-sack sprayers were some of the inputs distributed.

     

    Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, inaugurated the exercise in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government.

     

    He said inputs were simultaneously distributed at Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government and Ayete in Ibarapa North Local Government.

     

    Olaleye, who doubles as the Chairman, SAfER Food Security Sub-Committee, said the exercise was to ensure that Oyo State has abundant food supply for its people.

    “Today, we are commencing the fourth phase of Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), food security sub-sector.

     

    “We are distributing cassava stems, special maize seeds that can germinate faster, we are also giving out knap-sack sprayers to farmers across Oyo State.

     

    “In addition to that, we are also giving them herbicides to protect their crops against invasion of insects and all that.

     

    “So, in this fourth phase, not less than 2,537 farmers will benefit.

     

    “In the next ten days as well, subsidy on the use of tractors will commence, so if you cultivate five acres, the government will pay for two and a half acres.

     

    “If you cultivate ten hectares, the government will pay for five acres for you.

     

    “So, the whole essence is to ensure that Oyo State has abundant and sufficient food supply to bring down the prices of foodstuffs,” Olaleye stated.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Rafiu Saheed, thanked the state government for the farm inputs support, saying the materials will have significant effect on their farms and produce.

     

    He, therefore, urged other beneficiaries not to sell the farm inputs but make judicious use of them to complement the efforts of government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • 2024 UTME: Prof. Adedoja wants more school enrollment for special needs children

    2024 UTME: Prof. Adedoja wants more school enrollment for special needs children

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    2024 UTME: Prof Adedoja wants more school enrollment for special needs children

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a member of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Equal Opportunity Group, (JEOG), says parents should enroll their special needs children into schools to give them a better future.

     

    Adedoja a member of the JEOG six man supervisory committee, and also Centre Coordinator for  centre at Federal College of Education, Special, Oyo in Oyo town,said this at a news conference to kick start the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME), for visually impaired persons and other persons with special needs in Ibadan.

     

    The UTME into tertiary institutions in Nigeria kicked off nationwide on Monday, April 21, and would end on Tuesday, April 22.

     

    He said that parents should not deny special needs children their rights to quality education, and

    appealed to them to enroll them into primary and secondary schools.

     

    “Many parents still keep their children at home because of stigmatisation, also, many parents are not even aware that there are opportunities to tap into for their children.

     

    “I am using this medium to appeal to parents to bring their children out to enroll them into primary and secondary education so that they can have this opportunity to access higher education.

     

    “There is no profession that they cannot practice, but we must not deny them the opportunity, JAMB is committed and doing its best to ensure access into higher education for all as part of its mandate.

     

    “JAMB is not to provide access to education for primary or secondary, there are other agency responsible for that, but JAMB cannot succeed if there are no inflows from primary, secondary students that are desirous and that is why there is a need for collaboration,” Adedoja said.

    Also, senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr Yunus Akintunde, who visited the centre, said he was satisfied with what he saw, and promised to make a case for the college to get more equipment.

    Some of the candidates who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended JAMB saying the exercise was hitch free.

     

    There are 11 centres nationwide (Abuja, Lagos, Ado-Ekiti, Oyo, Bauchi, Kano, Yola, Enugu, Jos, Benin  and Kebbi), designated to conduct examinations for the 577 special candidates, that registered for JAMB examinations.

     

    At the Federal College of Education one of the centers for the examination in Oyo, 55 candidates participated in the exercise.

     

    The modes of the examination were braille option, read aloud, and individualised testing mode for candidates with autism, and other related challenges.

     

    NAN reports that Jamb was responsible for the hotel accommodation, feeding and transportation for all the candidates and their guides.

     

    JAMB also provided stylus to each candidate after the examination,  and refunded Jamb application fees to candidates. (NAN)

  • Partnering with investors will unlock Oyo’s tourism potential – Makinde

    Partnering with investors will unlock Oyo’s tourism potential – Makinde

       

    Partnering with investors will unlock Oyo’s tourism potential – Makinde

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says partnering with investors is the key to unlock the tourism potential of the state.

     

    Makinde stated this at the opening ceremony of the International Tourism Summit tagged #ITSOYOSTATE 2024, in Ibadan.

     

    The summit had the theme: “Repositioning Tourism as a Drive for Sustainable Development in Oyo State.

     

    The two-day event aims to bring local and international stakeholders in the tourism sector to showcase the cultural diversity and tourism potential of Oyo State to harness them for socio-economic development.

     

    The governor, therefore, promised to support and work with relevant stakeholders and foster the partnership that would lead to sustainable development and guarantee the success of their investments.

     

    “I always tell people that Nigeria has the potential and we have to unlock it to be able to realise the benefits from those potential.

     

    “The investors have their money for their investment and on the other side is profit. So, the question always is what will be the Return on Investment (RoI).

     

    “Without the right key to unlock the potential they are seeking, they will not gain access to the expected benefit.

     

    “So, what is this key? Well, it is partnership,” Makinde said.

    In her remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, appreciated the Oyo State government for showcasing the hidden treasures of the state through tourism.

     

    She assured them of her ministry’s partnership to support in exploring the potential beyond the state.

     

    “As the Ministry of Tourism, we’re encouraged to collaborate and promote this beautiful region.

     

    “Together with relevant federal, state, local government, private sectors and international stakeholders, we will endeavour to showcase the beauty that Oyo State beholds for our generations to come,” Ade-John said.

    Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Chairperson of the Summit, Dr Mrs Onikepo Akande, said the event is a testimony to the fact that the state is not just paying lip service when it says that its goal is to expand the economy through tourism development.

     

    “What Oyo State is working towards here is to target a wider market of investors by projecting the new face of tourism in the state.

     

    “So, I am happy that tourism is being repositioned for sustainable development in Oyo State.

     

    “It is not just about what we will enjoy now, it is about plans for the future generation.

     

    “If tourism is to increase internally generated revenue, then it must be carried out in such a way that growth continues over time at a given pace.

     

    “It is my prayer that this will be the first of many such events in Oyo State.

     

    “That the goals and objectives of this event are met as Oyo State continues to attract more investors into the state to grow its economy to the benefit of the people,” Akande said.

    In his goodwill message, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, who was also the guest of honour, said tourism development encompasses the growth of all sectors and will attract investors of note to the state.

     

    Present at the event were the Osun State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Ojo Abiodun and former President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero.

     

    Others were the National President, Nigeria Association of Tourism Operators, Mrs Ime Udo, the Alado of Ado Awaye, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ademola Folakanmi, among others.

     

    Meanwhile, at a dinner and awards night, awards were given in different categories.

     

    The Special Contribution to Oyo State Tourism Award – Cultural Event Ambassador, was given to Ambassador Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Eid-el Fitr: Makinde urges Nigerians to prioritise harmony over discord.

    Eid-el Fitr: Makinde urges Nigerians to prioritise harmony over discord.

    Eid-el Fitr:  Makinde urges Nigerians to prioritise harmony over discord.

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has urged all Nigerians to focus on things that unite the nation, rather than those that cause discords in the country.

     

    Makinde stated this while addressing journalists at his Ikolaba private residence, shortly after Muslim faithful led by the Deputy Governor of the State, Barrister Bayo Lawal visited on his way from Eid prayer.

     

    He gave one of the lessons of Ramadan as discipline, saying Muslims for 30 days disciplined their bodies.

     

    Makinde emphasised further the importance of unity during the Ramadan festive season, adding that it should reflect in the day-to-day activities of Nigerians.

     

    “It is a new Oyo state that is evolving and everybody is coming onboard, so those whose stock in trade is to look at things that divide us, should look for something else to do.

     

    “I use this opportunity to say please, focus on thing that would unite us.

     

    “And for the upcoming local government election, our people should come out, is less than three weeks away,” Makinde said.

     

    Earlier in his remarks, the deputy governor gave kudos to Gov Makinde for his leadership style which he said was uncommon.

     

    “Whoever that is granted the opportunity to pass through the rite of fasting for 30 days, must be happy and give glory to almighty Allah.

    “At the end of Ramadan, we must go to yidi, to give thanks to Almighty Allah, and we have done that, but we have to also to give honour to whom honour is due.

    “You deserve our appreciation.

    “I make bold to say that since you came onboard as the executive governor of the state, you have started a course of leadership that is uncommon in the history of Oyo state.

    “In terms of religious harmony which your leadership has engendered in the state, in a way that the Muslims, Christians and even the traditional worshippers, cannot point a finger of bias at your excellence,” Lawal stated.

     

    Prayers were held for the governor, Oyo state and the nation in general.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that both State and Federal lawmakers, political leaders as well as state executive council members were part of the team that visited the governor. (NAN)

  • Eid-il-fitri: Peller congratulates Muslims, says good deeds must continue after Ramadan

    Eid-il-fitri: Peller congratulates Muslims, says good deeds must continue after Ramadan

    Eid-il-fitri: Peller congratulates Muslims, says good deeds must continue after Ramadan

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Shina Peller, has congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan fast and Eid-el-fitri celebration.

    Hon. Peller stated this in a congratulatory message made available to the Journalists through a press statement, on Wednesday.

    Peller,vWhile describing the last one month as a soul/purifying one, the Ayedero of Yorubaland urged all to keep standing for uprightness and goodness, showing love to fellow beings, particularly the needy, and helping them in any possible way.

    The Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician, who has been in Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj since the beginning of the last 10 days of Ramadan, also urged all to desist from wrongdoing, selfishness, wickedness, backbiting and all acts of evil.

    The statement read:

    “I congratulate fellow Muslim brothers and sisters on the successful completion of Ramadan fast and on the occasion of the 2024 Eid-ul-Fitri being celebrated globally at the moment.

    “As Muslims, the last one month has been soul-purifying for most of us, as we devoted most of our time to praying, seeking God’s forgiveness, helping the needy, embracing and upholding good deeds at every slight opportunity.

    “However, every good deed of us during the holy month of Ramadan should be further strengthened even now that Ramadan is over. You must continue to stand for uprightness and goodness against wrongdoing and any act of selfishness, callousness, wickedness, backbiting, evil and others.

    “Importantly, the show of love and act of generosity exhibited to fellow beings, particularly the less privileged and the needy, during the month of Ramadan should be sustained. Continue to be helpful to whom it may concern in whatever way you can, and you shall continue to soar higher inexplicably in whatever you do.

    “Once again, I extend my best wishes and greetings to you all on this occasion of Eid-up-Fitri and pray that we witness many more on earth. Amen! Barika De Salah.”

     

  • SAfER: Oyo Government begins third phase of the distribution of agricultural inputs to Farmers.

    SAfER: Oyo Government begins third phase of the distribution of agricultural inputs to Farmers.

    SAfER: Oyo Government begins third phase of the distribution of agricultural inputs to Farmers.

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Oyo State Government has begun the third phase of the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers in the state.

    The event which took place in Ajaawa, Ogo Oluwa Local Government of the state, on Wednesday, started with the distribution of two bags of 50kg feeds and two bottles of disinfectant to 1,000 pig farmers.

    Speaking while flagging off the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the phase will also witness the free vaccination of at least 120,000 cattle with anthrax vaccine and CBPP vaccine, while another 250,000 cattle, goat and sheep will also be vaccinated by the state government.

    Olaleye, who also doubles as the chairman, SAfER Food Security Sub-Committee, added that 1,000 sheep and goat farmers across the state will equally receive two bags of 50kg wheat offal each.

    The effort, he noted, is in continuation of measures introduced by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative to cushion the effect of economic hardship on residents of the state.

    He also recalled that thousands of poultry and fishery farmers in the state had benefited in the first and second phases of the inputs distribution exercise.

    He lauded the state governor for sustaining agricultural activities in the state through the SAfER initiative, adding that the initiative, which targets crop, poultry, fishery and livestock farmers, is aimed at supporting small and medium scale so as to relieve them of the current economic hardship.

    “We are flagging off the third phase of SAfER interventions for the food security sub-sector with the distribution of feeds and disinfectants to pig farmers across Oyo State.

    “Here, 1,000 pig farmers will benefit from the distribution we are doing at the moment. They will get two bags of 50kg of PKC each with two bottles of disinfectant.

    “120,000 cattle will also be vaccinated with anthrax vaccine and CBPP Vaccine, 250,000 cattle across the state will also benefit from free vaccination of anthrax vaccine. We are going to give out two bags of 50kg wheat offal feeds each to 1,000 sheep and goat farmers as well.

    “This is just the beginning of the exercise and it will go across all the local government areas we have in the state.

    “It is part of the SAfER initiative introduced by Governor Makinde. In the next few days, we will proceed to the stage of giving seed, cassava cottons, herbicides and knapsack sprayers to crop farmers across the state.

    “The programme is aimed at reducing the cost of food in Oyo State and I want to assure you that by the next harvest season, you will see that prices of goods and food would have gone down,” Olaleye said

    The commissioner added that the initiative, apart from relieving farmers of the present economic hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal, will also improve feed quality and quantity for livestock production so as to grow the economy.

    The commissioner added that as part of efforts to support farmers in the state, the governor recently pronounced a N600 million subsidy on land clearing, which will see farmers pay only N15,000 per hectare instead of N30,000 being charged earlier.

    He noted that the governor had equally waived tax payment on farm produce transport within the state, urging farmers to show fidelity to the government by reflecting the support they received from the government in the pricing of food stuff in the coming months.

    “I would like to urge the farmers to be faithful with the government and to also support our people. If they are getting free things from the government, they should also ensure they reduce the prices of goods in a corresponding manner as well.

    “Don’t forget that the government has given out 400kg of maize to 2,600 poultry farmers and we have given out to 1,000 fish farmers as well.

    “The governor has said that for the next six months, no farmer should pay tax on farm produce in the state. And he has promised to support farmers with 50 per cent payment on the tractor used on their farmlands.

    “We have also given out a N1bn loan to farmers and the government is ready to do more for the farmers in the state,,” he stated

    In their separate goodwill messages, the Member representing Ogo Oluwa State Constituency, Honourable Abideen Adeoye and the chairman, Ogo Oluwa Local Government, Mr. Oluwaseun Ojo, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for taking the SAfER initiative to the grassroots.

    Earlier in her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Christianah Abioye, commended the state government for the continuous exercise and support to the farmers to improve their businesses.

    She urged the beneficiaries to complement the effort of the state government by making good use of the interventions.

     

    Also in his remarks, the chairman, Piggery Farmers Association, Mr Tope Oye-Alamu, expressed gratitude to the state government for the inclusion of pig farmers as beneficiaries of the state government initiative, noting that his sector had never benefited from such effort before.

    Also speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Adebayo, a pig farmer in Ogo Oluwa Local Government, appreciated the gesture of the state government.