Author: Wale Owoade

The OYSIEC Chairman stressed that for the Commission to have successful Election, media men are very important, through dissemination of right information, and that is line is open for any clarification on any issue.

Olagunju lauded the political parties on conduct of peaceful primaries, and  that by next week screening of candidates to be presented  by the political parties participating in the election will commence.

He used the  medium to appeal to the politicians, that there shouldn’t be any form of intimidation, that OYSIEC would be neutral and fair to all the political parties.

Oyo Govt. Completes Rehabilitation Of Roads Across 33 LGAs

 

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State Government has completed the rehabilitation of deplorable roads earmarked for re- construction across all the 33 local government areas in the State.

While briefing journalists over the development on Tuesday during the inspection of the rehabilitated roads, the Chairman of Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Honourable Busoye Ogunlade appreciated the state governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde for providing all the needed materials for the agency which resulted to seamless working condition on the affected roads.

The OYSROMA Boss who was accompanied by the management staff and engineers of the agency expressed satisfaction over the level of the job done so far on the affected roads.

Some residents that spoke with journalists could not hide their joy, as they were praise singing the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the prompt intervention on the affected roads.

Mr Olawole Akinwale, a farmer who is a resident of Iwere-Ile, in Iwajowa local government area, who spoke on behalf of the entire community said, “I thank the Almighty God for giving us Governor Makinde in Oyo State who is making life more easier for us in this community, I also thank God for making us witnessing this kind of project under this administration, this is will surely bring a better change in our community, and I can say it is like a dream come true for us, this road is very crucial in moving our farm products from farm to the main city.”

In Ibadan metropolis, Mrs Adebola Adeshina, a trader in Agbowo UI Axis, who resides in Major Salawu Street, in Ibadan North Local Government Area commended Governor Makinde for fulfilling his electoral promises, most especially in the area of provison of basic infrastructures in the axis.

She is optimistic that rehabilitated road will definitely put a stop to the hardship faced by the masses, especially the motorists. Mrs Adebola noted that most of the roads rehabilitated were in deplorable condition before the intervention of the state government.

A resident of Igbeti, in Olorunsogo local government Mr Olajire Oyebisi, stated that most of them never believe that the rehabilitation of the roads could be in their life time, as most of the roads have been abandoned for a very long time.

While speaking on rehabilitation of Ring Road, Mobil, Sharp Corner to WEMA, Apata Junction, Hon Busoye Ogunlade said the work will ease traffic congestion in the axis.

Speaking on behalf of residents, the Chairman of landlord Association in Oluyole Extension, Chief Akinwunmi described the ongoing rehabilitation project prayers answered by God.

He said, “We are full of joy and gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency OYSROMA, Hon Busoye Ogunlade for coming to our aid by fixing these roads.”

Chief Akinwunmi said, the gesture by state government will usher in more developmental strides that will encourage businesses in those areas, as well as attract investors.

According to him, “On behalf of the residents, motorists, commuters and peace-loving people of Ring Road, Mobil, and environs, I heartily appreciate the most performing governor in Nigeria, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, I thank OYSROMA for coming to our rescue, especially on the clearing of the refuse dump and dirty along the sharp corner road.

“We’ll continue to support the present administration in its sustainable development agenda that will return the state to her pace setting standard in the country.This intervention on our roads will no doubt ease traffic and enhance free flow of traffic in which crashes will be reduced to barest minimum.”

Recall that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde had declared operation zero potholes across the state and has promised equip OYSROMA to perform optimally when the Governor paid an unscheduled inspection to the agency’s office at Eleyele some weeks ago.

Upon his reappointment, Hon Busoye Ogunlade swung into action by embarking on the spot assessment of some of the dilapidated roads under his agency’s purview and assured that the State Government would fix the dilapidated portions where necessary.

 

 

Oyo State’s budget performance is at 75 per cent – Makinde

By Adewale Owoade

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says the state’s 2023 budget performance is already at 75 per cent and should exceed 80 per cent by the end of the year.

Makinde gave his administration a pass mark while speaking at the Stakeholders’ Consultative and Engagement Meeting on 2024 Budget, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

He maintained that his administration would continue the tradition of engaging with residents of the state in the making of the state’s annual budget, noting that this would help the government to serve the people better.

He urged residents to take the engagement meetings, which would be held across the seven zones of the state, seriously as inputs from the meetings would be captured in the budget.

“It is not just a yearly ritual; it is an exercise that is extremely important. We are not coming around for this exercise just for the fun of it.

“The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning said we are at 75 per cent performance and before the end of the year, we will surely go beyond 80 per cent; I believe this is a pass mark.

“Thankfully, the people of Oyo State gave us an opportunity to serve them further. So, we will continue to hold this stakeholders’ engagement under my watch for another three years.

“So, we must let our people know that this is not a jamboree. It is an avenue for our people to let us know what they want us to do for them,” he said.

The governor equally advocated for better synergy between the state and the local governments so they can serve the interests of the people better.

He said that the creativity of his government had ensured the construction of Oyo-Iseyin Road, a federal road, and the rebuilding of Akesan Market, Sasha Market and the Iseyin City Hall, which were local government projects.

Some of the issues raised by stakeholders at the event were the recruitment of teachers into primary schools and the completion of 351 primary health centres.

The governor assured that his administration would address all the issues in the next budget.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Musibau Babatunde, said the state government had been using the stakeholders’ meetings to influence its budget since 2019.

“So what we have been doing is all about people and I believe that with this particular one that we are trying to do, we are also going to get it right and move Oyo State forward,” he said.

In separate goodwill messages, the Director-General of DAWN Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye; Chairman of the House Committee on Budget, Public Accounts, Finance and Appropriation, Hon Sunkanmi Babalola; and representative of Ibadan Main LGs Chairmen, Alhaji Ramoni Adepoju, commended the government for the budget initiative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Information Minister commiserates with Makinde over death of Nigeria’s Flag designer

By Adewale Owoade

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has paid a condolence visit to the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over the death of Chief Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s flag.

Idris who was received by the deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, described Akinkunmi as an iconic individual who designed one of the most powerful artworks of our collective existence as a country.

“We are here, on behalf of Mr President, to offer our condolences and to also tell the family and the good people of Oyo State, the pedigree that the Federal Government places the deceased.

“We know that he is such an iconic individual; he has designed one of the most powerful artworks of our collective existence as a country and as a nation.

“Therefore, Mr president has asked that we come to commiserate with the family and also tell them that Mr President shares with them in this grief and the Federal Government is with them throughout this period.

“Whatever request the family puts forward to the Federal Government will be looked into,” Idris said.

The Deputy Governor, Lawal on behalf of the governor, appreciated President Tinubu for sending the high-level delegation to Oyo State to commiserate not only with the family of the deceased but the Government of Oyo State.

“On behalf of His excellency and the good people of Oyo State, we appreciate His excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for sending this high-level delegation to Oyo State.

“To commiserate, not only with the family of the deceased but the government and good people of Oyo State.

“We believe sincerely that the legacy left behind by Chief Akinkunmi, in terms of the design of the Nigerian flag, will not be lost on Nigerians.

“That legacy of unity, of resourcefulness; we must remain united and in peace.

“We have accepted what has happened to us in Oyo State by the departure of Chief Taiwo Akinkunmi; may his soul rest in peace,” Lawal said.

The Minister’s team, including the Zonal Manager of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) (Ibadan Zonal Office), Olawale Alabi and the Zonal Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (Ibadan Network Centre), Waheed Popoola, among others, also visited the family of the deceased. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

TINUBU HEEDING CLARION CALL FOR A BETTER CREATIVE INDUSTRY: THE PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC EFFECT

By Muiz Olasubomi

A good leader is the one who listens. A listening leader is able to see the world through the eyes, thoughts, suggestions and ideas of others. This is one of the great leadership attributes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu possesses. This can only explain why he is promptly heeding the clarion call on the need to strengthen the country’s creative industry.

Recall that prior to the inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there have been clamours by some individuals for the government to tap into the great potentials of the creative industry which contributes significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Occupying a prominent place on the list of the notable personalities that have been at the forefront of the campaign for a more productive creative sector is the former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Shina Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency at the ninth National Assembly.

Indeed, Honourable Peller’s last motion as a lawmaker at the ninth Assembly was – THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE NIGERIAN CREATIVE INDUSTRY – where he stressed that the creative industry is a veritable incremental source of employment, revenue and economic growth that the government can strengthen as it seeks to diversify the economy from dependency on oil revenue.

In the motion, the former lawmaker had prayed that the House urged the federal government to create and execute policies to strengthen the creative industry. He also prayed that for optimal performance of the creative industry, the House should implore the federal government to increase the budgetary allocation of the then Ministry of Infomation and Culture which was overseeing the industry at the time. Commendably, the House, under the leadership of the present Chief of Staff to the president, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, unanimously adopted the motion.

Also in his congratulatory message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his formal inauguration, Honourable Peller who is the Ayedero of Yorubaland, re-emphasised the need for the new president to prioritise strengthening the country’s creative industry among numerous policies that his government would be making to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth.

Today, it is gladdening to note that President Tinubu is not just honouring the call to strengthen the creative industry, but has even gone a step ahead by purposely elevating the industry to a sector with a ministry of its own – Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy. This is quite commendable; it shows that the president is a listening leader who understands that welcoming different kinds of great opinions and suggestions will bring about desirable results.

Similarly, the advent of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy shows that Mr. President means well for the creative industry which will be beneficial to the teeming youth population and is ready to tap into its great economic value by creating coherent policies that establish clear objective and strategies for it to thrive.

Now that President Tinubu has created a platform for the creative sector to thrive, functional minds will definitely be looking forward to a desirable effect it will have on Nigeria’s economy as a whole. This is where the creativity, thoughtfulness, initiative and leadership quality of the minister, Hannatu Musawa, will come into play.

Hopefully, with her impressive educational background and exposure Hannatu Musawa, who is a lawyer, writer and poet, will ensure that the purpose the ministry is meant for is fulfilled. As she champions a dynamic renaissance for the creative domain as spelt out in her blueprint dubbed Destination 2030, Nigerians, particularly the major stakeholders, should cooperate with her bearing in mind that the creative economy is now one of the largest consumers of digital services.

While there is no single definition of the creative economy, the United Nations Committee on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says that it is the intersection of human creativity and technology or products that have economic value, including everything from content creation and art to architecture, research and manufacturing.

With the minister’s recently-released blueprint, it is believed that that she is aware that Nigeria’s creative sector is a thriving industry driven by young and talented individuals. From film to music and fashion, the country’s creative sector holds significant global influence and has the potential to become a prominent exporter of Nigerian culture.

Creative industry include and not limited to advertising, architecture (interior decor, landscaping etc.) arts and crafts, fashion and design, home video(film) television and radio, music, performing arts (carnivals, dance, drama, festivals, stand-up comedy) publishing (book fairs, e-resources, literature etc) tourism and hospitality (cuisine, museums and monuments, night clubs and event management etc).

Moreover, with our impressive cultural values and heritage as a country , culture is another vital tool that we can leverage to boost our economy. Nigeria is a multi-cultural nation with almost four hundred diverse ethnic groups and over five hundred different native languages.

Our cultural strength as a country lies in our diversity and we must make it count positively. As a matter of fact, our culture should be seen as a catalyst for creativity and desired transformative change.

Finally, if the purpose of the advent of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy is fulfilled, history will be kind to President Tinubu’s administration for this commendable move, Honourable Shina Peller for his motion and advocacy, as well as to numerous others who contributed in one way or another to making it happen.

Muiz writes from Ikeja, Lagos State

 

Oyo Govt ready to promote Iyake Festival to Int’l Standard -Oba Folakanmi

By Adewale Owoade

The Alado of Ado Awaye Kingdom, Oba Ademola Folakanmi, has commended efforts by the Oyo State government to raise the Iyake festival to an international tourism standard.

Oba Folakanmi gave the commendation at a news conference in Ibadan, ahead of the planned 3rd edition of the Iyake international festival scheduled to hold between Nov. 14 and 16 in Ado-Awaye, Oyo State.

According to him, the Iyake lake is the only naturally suspended lake in the world and known for its healing power.
He said the lake was recently affirmed and rated third among the Nigeria wonders, and the most famous tourist centre in the state.

“The festival is meant to create a foremost brand of tourism in Oyo State, Nigeria and the African continent and to showcase many of the outstanding endowments in Ado mountain, the only naturally suspended lake in the world.

“The Iyake lake has significantly increased investments in infrastructure around and within Ado Awaye through robust Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

”The 2023 Yake festival is highly important as the planning committee is working towards externalising the festival scope to neighboring countries like Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire and even Brazil and other Western World,” Oba Folakanmi said.

Also, the Curator,  National Museum of Unity, Oyo State, Mrs Otuka Oriyomi, said the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Prof. Abba  Tijani,  is working hard to make Ado Awaye a world cultural heritage centre.

“Ado Awaye is also under National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and one of the things our DG, Prof. Aba Isa Tijani is doing is to make sure Ado Awaye gets to be a world cultural heritage centre, and we have started talking to a lot of visitors,” Oriyomi stated

In the same vein, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, gave kudos to the Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration for its unwavering commitment to the development of culture and tourism,  by creating enabling environment.

Olatunbosun, who was represented by the Director (Tourism), Mrs Adejoke Agboola, said that the rehabilitation of the lake through a Public Private Partnership arrangement was in progress.

“This festival will have direct and indirect impact on the people of Oyo State and the state as a whole in terms of revenue generation.

“Arrangements are in top gear to rehabilitate the suspended lake at Ado Awaye, through Public Private Partnership arrangement, the state is therefore calling on genuine credible and serious minded investors to partner with us,” Olatunbosun said.(NAN)

 

FG, Oyo Govt. Distribute Palliative to 200 Poultry Farmers

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

The Oyo State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has distributed palliatives to about 200 poultry farmers, who were affected by the 2022 flood disaster.

Distributing the palliative to the beneficiaries at the National Cereal Research Institute, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said that the Oyo State government recognises the impact of farmers and felt the loss caused by flood disaster last year.

He added that the palliative given would not equate the loss, but it serves as a show of recognition of their importance in the state economic development.

According to Olasunkanmi, “I wish to commend the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter for the crucial roles you play in the State and Nigeria at large in improving nutritional, economic growth and livelihood of people in our dear State”.

“This palliative given today is nothing compared to your importance in our economic development l, but it is done to show that the government recognises your impact and to give this as part of efforts of the Federal Government intervention through Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde”.

The Commissioner revealed that the Oyo State Government would very soon partner with stakeholders and investors on the need to introduce egg powder making factories.

This, according to him, would require standard quality egg production, enough quality per day as well as enhancing production of eggs throughout the year.

He however opined that the claims by the Association, that it has the highest poultry production in the country, there was no authentic data for the state to work with.

He therefore urged the association to always cooperate with staff of the State Ministry of Agriculture in providing accurate and authentic data, adding that this would enhance authentication of their members.

The commissioner, therefore enjoined the beneficiaries to make adequate use of the palliative, promising that more is in the pipeline.

In her welcome address, the State Coordinator for Federal Ministry of Agric and Food Security, Dr. Mrs. Kakulu Florence said the post disaster palliative was to cushion the effect of 2022 flood that ravaged the poultry farmers in the Oyo State, stressing that the post disaster palliative was predicated on the government’s decision to mitigate the effects of the flood.

According to her, we on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Oyo State Government commiserate with our poultry farmers who may have lost their properties and chickens as a result of the ravages caused by the flood.

“The distribution of the palliative was part of the government’s effort to mitigate and cushion the effect that the ugly incident may have caused on our poultry farmers”, she said.

Commending the Oyo State Government in its various proactive efforts in enhancing farmer’s production and collaboration, Dr. Kakulu revealed that each of the participants would go home with 8 bags of poultry feed, crates and some cash for their logistics.

She therefore urged the association to always provide accurate data for the government to work with.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter (PAN), Elder Omidokun Oyekunle appreciated the government for providing succour to members in the state.

He urged the federal government to release grains from the Nation’s grain reserves to poultry farmers, saying their major challenge was non availability of maize.

He therefore pledged his Association’s readiness to support the government in eradicating famine in the state and the country at large.

Commending both Governments for their support to the association, the beneficiaries Mr. Samson Feyisetan and Mrs. Bakare Rofiat, said the palliative was given in a time they needed it most considering the price of a bag of feed, adding that the palliative would relieve them in feeding their chickens.