Author: Wale Owoade

Explosion: Alake commends Oyo State Govt.’s quick response

By Adewale Owoade

The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Mr Dele Alake, has commended the Oyo State Government for responding swiftly to the Bodija explosion.

Alake, said this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in his office, in Ibadan.

He said that the Federal Government would make a formal statement on the incident that occurred on Tuesday Jan. 16 in the Bodeja area of the state, after all relevant authority had concluded forensic investigations.

Alake who had earlier visited the site of the incident and commiserated with victims of the explosion and their families, also visited the University College Hospital, UCH, to see victims receiving treatment in the facility.

He said that President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency were impressed with the way and manner Gov Makinde responded to the explosion incident.

“He has done well in terms of the speed of his response to this unfortunate incident.

“The President is very impressed and we are all impressed too. Nobody wishes for any disaster but we wish that our people will respond commendably to any situation at all. And, on our own part, we immediately swung into action.

“We will allow the investigative agencies, various agencies including technical and intelligence agencies to conclude their forensic investigations before we make any categorical and viable statement on the issue.

“All the corollary issues attending this, will be answered at the end of the investigations and everybody will be kept well-informed.

“And at the end of the day justice would be done, not just to the victims but to the perpetrators and the culprits and whatever assistant that will be needed to be given to Oyo state government, the president will not hesitate to give that.

“But my role here is to come and commiserate with the governor and commend the effective efforts he has put in place immediately after the unfortunate incident.”

” The president has promised to do anything in his power to give succour to the victims,” Alake said.

On his part, Gov. Makinde, maintained that the state government is awaiting the reports of the teams carrying out structural integrity tests on 230 structures around the site of the explosion.

He urged people affected by the incident to exercise patients as government would do all within its power to attend to their needs. (NAN)

OWO

Prof Adedoja Sympatises with Bodija Community  Over Explosion

By Adewale Owaode

The former Minister of Sport and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja has expressed his deep sympathy with the Ibadan-Bodija Community explosion, Victims and the Oyo State government, over the recent explosion at the Bodija Community, in Ibadan

The recent explosion which occurred on Tuesday night has been described as devastating.

Prof Adedoja described as devastating the unfortunate incident which occurred on Tuesday night, that claimed lives and property.

He, however, commended the actions so far taken by the Governor of the State, Engr Seyi Makinde on the unfortunate incident and also supported moves for thorough investigation.

“On behalf of myself and my family, I sympathise with all the affected families whose relations died and all the victims that sustained various injuries and whose properties were destroyed in the unfortunate incident.

“My sincere sympathy is also extended to the Oyo state government, His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadan land and his Obas and chiefs, and the former deputy governor of Oyo state and chairman of the Oyo state APC Elders Advisory Council, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun and others whose lives and properties were affected.

I Pray that God almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss”, as contained in a press release personally signed by the former minister and made available to the media

2024 Inter-faith Service: Makinde promises glad tidings for workers

By Adewale Owoade

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has promised that 2024 will be a year of great tidings for workers.

Gov. Makinde made the promise during the 2024 Annual Inter-faith Service held in Ibadan, the State capital.

He also called on the workers to always put the interest of the State above their personal interests and to cooperate with him to create an orderly environment.

“2024 will be a year of great turn-around.

“But the real thing that will make our State prosperous is our attitude in ensuring our environment is orderly; so, I will solicit your support.

“2024 is a year of the rule of the law in Oyo State; we dare to be different from others.

“We must work together; there must be order, there must be sanity within our environment.

“That is the only time we will stand out as a serious investment destination.

“We have to work together to ensure that we create a prosperous State; let us be positive about our State,” Makinde said.

In his remarks, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, commended Gov. Makinde for the cordial relations between the Executive and Legislative institutions in Oyo State.

He also assured Makinde of the support of the legislature.

“Let me reassure everyone present that the 10th Oyo State Assembly is committed to protecting the cordial relationship that exists between the legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary.

“(This is) as to make sure Oyo State is once again, as always been, the Pacesetter and, this time, it will be for real,” Ogundoyin said.

In her opening remarks, the Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oni thanked Gov. Makinde for always prioritising the welfare of workers.

She also charged workers in the State to refrain from all forms of unethical behaviour capable of under-mining the administration.

“It is, therefore, time for us all to be more dedicated, committed and eschew acrimonious activities.

“As Civil and Public Servants, we must remain politically neutral and continue to serve the government of the day holistically regardless of our political beliefs.

“Let us leave politics for the politicians,” Oni said.

The Programme featured praise and worship, reading of scriptures, Sermons and special prayers by Christian, Muslim and Traditional worshippers present.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Adenike Adeyemo; labour leaders, top government functionaries and religious leaders, among others (NAN)

(www.nannews.ng)

Peller Felicitates Gov. Makinde at 56, says he is exemplary, visionary

By Adewale Owoade

Honourable Shina Peller, a former lawmaker, has described the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde as a visionary, youth oriented and result-driven leader.

Peller stated this in his goodwill message to the governor on his 56th birthday, where he described Makinde’s leadership attributes as exemplary and noteworthy.

The Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician, highlighted some of the commendable leadership attributes of the governor, which he said include Makinde’s strict adherence to the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

He stated further that the developmental projects of Governor Makinde, reaffirmed his alignment and association with the governor as his leader.

Moreover, Honourable Peller seized the opportunity to rejoice with Christians on the occasion of the 2023 Christmas celebrations and prayed for all to witness many more of it on earth.

The statement read in full:

“I celebrate my dear leader, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as he adds another year today.

“Truly, our political landscape suffers from lack of good leadership, and there is no leadership where there’s no vision. Governor Makinde is a visionary leader, youth oriented, and result driven person whose actions are bound to impact positively on not only the present generation but also the coming generations. This is why I am proud to identify and associate with him as my leader irrespective of my political affiliation, particularly in the last general election.

“Indeed, Governor Makinde’s leadership attributes are exemplary and noteworthy. One of the things I cherish about him is his respect for the principles of equity, fairness, and justice as evident in the ways he administers the state.

“For example, the general belief has always been that Oke Ogun region is marginalized. However, since Governor Makinde came on board, he has rekindled the hope of the people of the region by paying attention to them.

“Oke Ogun people have been clamouring for a university for about 70 years; Governor Makinde saw to this by giving the region LAUTECH campus in Iseyin.

“Also, the governor provided the region with good, linkable roads to aid their major business which is agriculture. The People’s governor fixed Moniya-Iseyin road; saw to the completion of the dualisation of Saki road; reconstructed Oyo-Iseyin road which connects Oyo and Oke-Ogun Zone; opened up Ogbomoso to Oke-Ogun to through the construction of Ogbomoso-Iseyin road and other developmental projects.

“Mentioned above are just a few of the numerous dividends of democracy that the people are experiencing, not only in Oke Ogun, but Oyo State at large; the transformational activities of Governor Makinde cut across every nook and cranny of the state.

“Also, the Ido-Eruwa Road reconstruction project executed by Governor Makinde is applaudable as it links the Ibadan and Ibarapa Zones of Oyo State. Also, the rehabilitation of Eruwa-Lanlate-Maya Road located in Ibarapa East LGA is worth noting.

“The Governor created safe, adequate and efficient transport system that can sustain the social and economic development of the state, and many other numerous laudable projects that I cannot even remember.

“Dear visionary leader, as you turn 56 today, the people of Oke Ogun and Oyo state at large celebrate you, and we pray that God strengthens you in all ways as you continue to pilot the affairs of our dear state. May you witness many more years on earth in God’s name. Amen.

“In the same vein, I’m using this avenue to wish all, particularly, Christians, a blissful Christmas celebration. We shall witness many more of it in God’s name. Amen.”

Gov. Makinde commissions 10km Omi Adio-Ido Junction Road.

By Adewale Owoade

Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured residents of the state that his administration will continue to embark on building infrastructure that impacts on the economy of the state

The governor stated this in Ido, while commissioning the 10 kilometres Omi-Adio to Ido Junction Road constructed by Ido Local Government.

He added that his administration will continue to support the efforts of Local Government Areas in line with the developmental plans of the state.

Governor Makinde, who spoke at the Ido Clay Mining Station venue of the event, said the new road is of great economic importance to the state as the axis is set to become an economic hub.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate you, my people in Ido Local Government. We were on the campaign trail when I flagged off this road project on the 3rd of February, 2023.

“Then, I promised that we would complete this road in record time, because we believe that our infrastructure should target our economy. We will continue to do that as a government.

“This project was not done by the state but by Ido LG, which shows a good collaboration between the LG and state governments. So, this is an example of collaboration in government.

“Let me specially thank the contractors, because after the award, we started facing economic headwinds. We awarded it in February and, by May, there was a change in government and they announced removal of fuel subsidy.

So, the price of asphalt, which was a major component, went through the roof.

“This road has economic importance. It links a particular rail line here. With this and also with the one we just opened, which leads to Orita Challenge, and the plan we have for Owode Estate, this whole place will be a big hub for development.”

The governor promised to relocate the popular Omi Adio Market by the railroad side to a better location within the shortest period of time, calling on Ido Local Government to embark on the enumeration of traders at the market.

He equally assured that the local government will benefit from the ongoing construction of the Circular Road, as according to him, Ido is the last leg of the project and is expected to link the axis to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway through Ajanla Farms.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Segun Olayiwola described the road project as another achievement to move the state forward and make life more comfortable for the people.

Similarly, the Chairman, Ido Local Government, Mr Sheriff Adeojo, said the project was successful because of Governor Makinde’s friendly policy of supporting worthy projects at the local government level.

He said: “Today’s commissioning is an epoch-making event in the history of Ido Local Government.

“I must confess that this landmark achievement is made possible because of the Governor’s friendly policy direction and availability of funds to execute the project.

“Your Excellency, the entire people of Ido LG and the adjoining local government areas cannot thank you enough, because of the linkage of the road both to the urban and rural areas, thereby making businesses very effective and hitch-free.

“On behalf of the entire people in Ido LG, we appreciate you for honouring this invitation, as we pledge our unalloyed support for your administration.”

Also in his goodwill message, the Asiwaju of Ido, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, lauded Governor Makinde for supporting the road project and for bringing government presence to Ido Community, which had not received the attention of the past administrations in the state for 31 years.

He commended the governor for his unprecedented infrastructure development strides in all the zones of the state, which he said had reduced rural-urban migration as well as removing the obstacles of the hard-to-reach in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Samchase Nigeria Limited, Engineer Okoro, expressed his gratitude to the governor for prompt approval and release of funds.

He appealed to motorists and residents to adhere strictly to road signs and cautions and equally maintain the drainages as expected.

Sen. Alli empowers 1,000 constituents on e-commerce, vocational training

By Akeem Abas

In a bid to alleviate poverty and promote self-reliance, no fewer than 1,000 constituents have benefitted from the e-commerce and vocational training sponsored by Sen. Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South).

The two-day training programme held in Igboora and Ibadan from Nov. 12 to 13 with participants drawn across the 99 wards of the nine local governments that make up Oyo South Senatorial District.

Alli said that the programme, which is a great economic tool for self-reliance, targeted poverty alleviation and job creation.

“We sincerely believe those who participated in the two trainings will be able to use it in their different trades. It will afford some to start a different trade on their own.

“We have about a thousand participants for the e-commerce and other two sets of vocational trainings.

“It is spread across the 99 wards in the nine local governments that make up Oyo South Senatorial District.

“In the next one or two weeks, we are also going to distribute fertilizers to people of Ibarapa and the agrarian parts of Ido Local Government which is up to five wards making 35 wards,” he said.

Dr Chubby Egu, a Petroleum Chemist from Trato Nigeria Limited, said the training was facilitated to empower constituents to create businesses for employment.

“It will benefit so many of them because they would be able to start-up their business and generate income to take care of themselves.

“They will acquire knowledge to do a lot of things. It is a very good thing that our distinguished Sen. Sharafadeen Alli actually brought this to his constituency,” he said.

Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya, the APC Senatorial Chairman for Oyo South, commended Alli for the training and for representing his district in the senate.

“I want to say that for the first time in the history of Oyo South, our senator, in less than a year, has wonderful empowerment as well as palliatives for the people of the constituency.

“I must confess to you that he is doing wonderfully well. We are proud of him in this constituency,” he said.

Shuaibu Sani, one of the beneficiaries, appreciated the empowerment, describing it as a stepping stone to poverty eradication in the district.

“I think this is a stepping stone towards eradicating poverty out of my life and the entire people participating.

“If we put this into use, we can forget anything about poverty and it will give us food and everything on our table,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Bunmi Agbaje, thanked the senator for his commitment to implementing beneficial programmes and initiatives.

“It is very exciting. We give it to our amiable Sen. Sharafadeen Alli for this programme and initiative given to us. We say a big thank you to him.

“He said it, he made it and will continue to be doing it. We all say a big thank you to him,” she said.

While participants on e-commerce went home with android phones, others in the vocational training section went home with work materials.

All participants would also receive start-up funds in their various registered bank accounts at the end of the training.

It would be recalled that Sen. Alli, in the last six months, has supported more than 3,000 widows, 3,000 traders, sank boreholes, installed streetlights, repaired transformers and facilitated ICT centres for schools. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Oyo Govt gives breakdown of 2024 Budget proposal

By Adewale Owoade

The Government of Oyo State has given a breakdown of the N434.2billion 2024 Budget proposal presented to the State House of Assembly by the state governor, Seyi Makinde.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, gave the breakdown of the budget estimates on Friday in a parley with Civil Society Organisations and members of the press, at the conference room of the Ministry.

Babatunde, a Professor of Economics, said the 2024 Budget was prepared against the backdrop of continuing global and national economic challenges, noting that the government would execute the budget to bring about sustainable economic recovery in the state.

According to him: “The proposed budget reflects the economic recovery plan of the present administration towards addressing the current economic challenges and fast track economic recovery.

“The budget indicates the commitment of the administration to economic reforms necessary for creating opportunities towards achieving economic recovery and also reflects government desires on sectoral allocations to reflate the economy, unlock private investment, stimulate effective demand, accelerate economic growth and achieve sustainable development.”

Presenting the breakdown and analysis, the commissioner stated that the highlight of the budget is part of the physical transparency and accountability of Governor Makinde-led administration.

He added that the highlights of the budget, which according to him, would determine the destiny of Oyo State in the next fiscal year, is adequately captured to reflect the governor’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 and the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme that followed the subsidy removal and exchange rate unification.

Professor Babatunde equally explained that the estimate for recurrent expenditure in the 2024 Budget proposal is N211,884,445,738.94, representing 48.80 per cent of the budget, while the capital expenditure of N222,337,320,199.85 represents 51.20 per cent of the budget.

He further said that the percentage of the recurrent expenditure estimate was high because it had been designed to capture the monthly wage award of N25,000 to civil servants and N15,000 to pensioners, which increased the state’s wage by an additional N2.8billion in its first month of payment and is expected to run for six months.

He noted, however, that the 2024 Budget would focus more on ongoing capital projects and programmes that would boost human capital, unlock the state’s economic potential through agriculture and agribusiness value chain, tourism and solid minerals development, as well as promotion of Public Private Partnership, among others.

The sectoral analysis of the proposed budget showed the government’s commitment to the economic recovery of the state, as the social and economic sectors, which comprise education, health, youth and sports, culture and tourism, agriculture, works and infrastructure and finance received the largest allocations.

Prof Babatunde also used the opportunity to highlight the revenue projections in the budget draft, stating that the state government looks forward to earning N86 billion in statutory allocations, N71.5 billion in Value Added Tax, N10 billion in Excess Crude, N36.3 billion in capital receipts, among others.

He added that the government has projected N72 billion as the Internally Generated Revenue for the year 2024 at the rate of N6 billion monthly, noting, however, that residents of the states should not exercise fears over tax increment.

Prof Babatunde maintained that the state is reviewing the current tax administration to ensure that more taxable entities are brought into the tax net, while it will also block leakages by improving revenue collection through ICT.

The commissioner also gave an assurance that there would be control and enforcement on spending limits to ensure that a sound budgetary system is put in place to include aggregate fiscal discipline, efficiency and effective spending of the budget.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economy Planning, Dr Sunday Ojelabi, said the budget breakdown was necessary so as to involve all stakeholders on the implementation of the 2024 Budget.

Those present at the budget analysis were the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Gafar Bello; Special Adviser, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke; and Director of Admin and Supplies in the Ministry, Alhaji H.A. Bello, among others.