Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Decades of Stalled Careers: Police ’91 Set Call for Tinubu, PSC Intervention

    Decades of Stalled Careers: Police ’91 Set Call for Tinubu, PSC Intervention

    ‎Decades of Stalled Careers: Police ’91 Set Call for Tinubu, PSC Intervention

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade

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    ‎Police officers enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1991 on Saturday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to intervene in what they described as decades of stalled career progression.

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    ‎Speaking with journalists during the protest, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP I), who declined to be named, said officers of the 1991 recruitment set had spent over 30 years in service without receiving promotions as and when due, despite meeting all required conditions and appearing before the same promotion boards as their colleagues.

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    ‎“We were enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1991, but since then, our promotions have not followed due process. It was only during the tenure of former IGP, Mustafa Adebayo Balogun, that some relief came after we spent about 11 years and six months on the rank of constable.

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    ‎”In 2002, we were promoted to the rank of corporal. Since then, many of us have continued to experience stagnation at various stages of our careers,” he said.

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    ‎The officer explained that in 2019, members of the 1991 set appeared before the promotion board alongside Cadet Inspectors and Inspector Cadets, noting that although they sat for the same examinations, different promotion dates were assigned when results were released.

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    ‎“While Cadet Inspectors were given promotion dates backdated to 2009, our own promotions were dated 2020,” he stated.

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    ‎According to him, although officers of the 1991 set were later promoted to the rank of ASP I, they were excluded when promotion to DSP rank Deputy superintendent of Police (DSP), was conducted.

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    ‎“When it was time for promotion to DSP rank Deputy superintendent of Police (DSP), only Cadet Officers were promoted, even though we were meant to move together, as had been done previously, even if with different effective dates,” he added.

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    ‎He disclosed that several petitions had been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission, seeking redress, but none had yielded positive results.

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    ‎The officer further noted that most officers enlisted in 1991 are due for retirement in 2026, expressing concern that many may leave the service without attaining the ranks they deserved after more than three decades of service.

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    ‎The protesting officers also lamented that in December 2025, some junior officers were promoted to the rank of DSP, while members of the 1991 set were excluded.

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    ‎They added that another promotion exercise had commenced this year without any consideration for their promotion to DSP rank Deputy superintendent of Police (DSP)

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    ‎“Promotion exercises have started again, yet nothing has been released for us. We are appealing to the Inspector-General of Police to urgently look into our matter and approve our promotion before we retire from service,” the officer said.

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    ‎He described the situation as a nationwide issue affecting officers enlisted in 1991 across the federation, stressing that the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what they described as persistent injustice.

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    ‎“This is not just about Ibadan or Oyo State. Officers recruited in 1991 across the country are affected. We are only asking for fairness and the promotion we have earned after decades of dedicated service,” he said.

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    ‎The officers warned that continued neglect could further dampen morale within the police force, urging the Federal Government, the IGP and the Police Service Commission to urgently address the matter in the interest of justice, equity and institutional integrity.

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  • Majority Leader accuses colleague of defamation, demands probe

    Majority Leader accuses colleague of defamation, demands probe

     

    Majority Leader accuses colleague of defamation, demands probe

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    The Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin, on Tuesday accused a fellow lawmaker, Mr Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the Assembly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South, raised the matter as a personal explanation on the floor during the first plenary sitting for 2026.

    The Majority Leader described the allegations as a grave infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    Adedoyin said the controversy arose from a speech delivered by Shittu during a public programme in Saki Town, which subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms.

    “In that speech, I was falsely accused of offering and receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government to influence or alter the course of an investigation into allegations against him.

    “I categorically and unequivocally state that these allegations are baseless, malicious and entirely untrue,” he said.

    He said that he merely acted on the directive of the speaker to look into petitions submitted against the local government chairman, insisting that due process was strictly followed.

    “For the record, Mr. Speaker directed me to look into the petitions submitted against the chairman, and I dutifully carried out that responsibility.

    “The claims of bribery involving the House leadership were “mischievously fabricated to mislead the public for political gains,” he said.

    The Majority Leader further alleged that Shittu extended his accusations to the office of the speaker, alleging that the speaker was altering the course of justice due to political party considerations.

    “Such insinuations are not only false but dangerous, as they attempt to portray this house as partisan and unjust.

    “Let it be firmly stated that the Oyo State House of Assembly has never been involved in political favouritism,” he said.

    He also accused the Saki West lawmaker of ridiculing the House Special Ad-hoc Committee that carried out oversight functions in Oyo North.

    “Shittu allegedly absented himself from the committee’s assignment.

    “His deliberate absence from critical legislative duties speaks volumes about his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by his constituents,” Adedoyin said.

    Describing the comments as calculated attempts to embarrass and discredit the Assembly, the Majority Leader noted that the incident was not an isolated one.

    “This is not the first time Hon. Shittu has embarked on character assassination, spreading falsehoods and calculated lies against the leadership and institution of this Assembly,” he added.

    Adedoyin said the allegations had caused him and his family severe distress.

    “My image has been gravely damaged. I have received several disturbing calls from friends and colleagues, while my entire family is presently suffering psychological and emotional trauma as a result of these false allegations,” he said.

    He , however, appealed to the speaker to invoke the powers of the House to investigate the matter in line with the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, and Order VII of the Assembly’s rules.

    “This intervention is necessary not only to protect my personal integrity but also to safeguard the dignity of this house and deter future occurrences of such misconduct,” Adedoyin said.

    Reacting to the personal explanation, the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, cautioned lawmakers against making unnecessary, unfounded and exaggerated comments capable of igniting tension, misleading the public and undermining the integrity of the legislative institution.

    He stressed that members must exercise restraint, uphold decorum and remain guided by the rules of the house in all their public engagements.

    “Noting that the legislature must always be seen as a responsible and disciplined institution.

    “To safeguard the dignity of the house and ensure that due process is followed

    NAN reports that the speaker, however, referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further legislative action.

    He however, directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and report its findings back to the House within one week.

    NAN rpeorts that the House thereafter, resolved to await the committee’s report before taking further action on the matter.

  • Oyo State to Celebrate 50 Years with Carnival, Symposium, Awards

    Oyo State to Celebrate 50 Years with Carnival, Symposium, Awards

     

    Oyo State to Celebrate 50 Years with Carnival, Symposium, Awards

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Oyo State Government has unveiled a comprehensive programme of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

     

    The Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, made this known during a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

     

    Akinade-Fijabi said the golden jubilee celebration is aimed at celebrating Oyo State’s five decades of growth, development, cultural heritage and resilience.

    According to him, the anniversary is a collective celebration for all residents of the state, providing an opportunity to reflect on shared values, cultural expressions and to give thanks for the progress recorded by the Pacesetter State over the years.

    He disclosed that the Oyo State @ 50 celebration will commence with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare the activities open.

    The celebration will continue on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with two major events — a Health Outreach and a Film Show.

    The Health Outreach, he said, will be conducted across the 33 local government areas of the state and will focus on residents aged 50 years and above, as well as others in need of medical attention.

    The Film Show will take place in Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomosho, Oke-Ogun I and Oke-Ogun II, aimed at reliving Oyo State’s rich legacy in theatre and entertainment.

    On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, an anniversary carnival walk will be held, featuring artisans, students, traders and other residents, who will walk from the historic Mapo Hall to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

    One of the major highlights of the celebration is a symposium scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with the theme: “Consolidating the Legacy: Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future.”

    The symposium will feature Prof. Olu Ajakaiye as the lead speaker, alongside other distinguished speakers including Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Prof. Dikirulahi Yagboyaju and Dr. Durodola Kamoru Ogunsesan.

    Religious activities will follow on Friday, January 30, 2026, with a Jumat Service at the Ibadan Central Mosque, while an Isese service for traditional worshippers will hold on Saturday.

    Akinade-Fijabi further disclosed that a novelty football match will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, between a team led by Governor Makinde and another led by Oyo State-born football legend, Mutiu Adepoju.

    On Sunday, February 1, 2026, a Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan. This will be followed by an event tagged “An Afternoon with the Elderly and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD),” scheduled for the Omololu Olunloyo Park, Airport Road, Ibadan.

    Activities will continue on Monday, February 2, 2026, when the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, will visit selected primary and secondary schools across the state to present gifts to pupils and students.

    In the evening, she will host a special programme to celebrate and empower women as part of the anniversary activities.

    The celebration will climax on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 — exactly 50 years after the creation of Oyo State on February 3, 1976 — with a Gala and Award Night to honour the 17 former Governors and Military Administrators who have served the state, as well as distinguished indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed significantly to the state’s development.

    The event will take place at the newly built Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Akinade-Fijabi called on indigenes and residents of Oyo State, both at home and in the diaspora, to actively participate in the golden jubilee celebrations.

    The press briefing was attended by the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Gafar Bello; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Broadcast, Mrs. Bosede Sodiq.

  • Ogbomoso APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term.

    Ogbomoso APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term.

       

     

    Ogbomoso APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term.

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade.

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    ‎Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State has endorsed President Bola  Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general elections.

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    ‎The endorsement took place at an open-air stakeholders’ meeting held at Soun Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, and was facilitated by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Sen. Teslim Folarin.

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    ‎Folarin urged party members to take the message of the agenda to the grassroots, noting that unity within the party remained key to electoral success.

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    ‎”We would seize the opportunity to pass on the message of Mr. President that he does not want any war again, he wants harmony, peace and harmony in the party, because without peace and harmony, you can’t achieve anything, and so that’s what we are trying to do.”

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    ‎Also speaking, Rep Aderemi Oseni, representing Ido/ Ibarapa east, said the mobilisation is to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 polls.

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    ‎”With this peace, peaceful atmosphere that you are seeing here in terms of leadership coming together, integrating ourselves together, I believe, 2027 presidential election, that is, national election and the state government election, for APC, is a done deal.”

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    ‎Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation called on APC members to sustain peace and work together for the re-election of President Tinubu and the party’s return to Agodi Government House in 2027.

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    ‎” Let us come together so that we can take over the government in Oyo State and continue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027 to 2031.”

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    ‎The meeting featured the formal endorsement of Tinubu for a second term and the reception of hundreds of defectors from other political parties drawn from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Ogo-Oluwa and Surulere Local Government Areas.

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    ‎Prominent APC leaders at the event included former First Lady of Oyo State and Ambassador-designate, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Pharm. Olayide Abas, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli.

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    ‎ Sen. Yunus Akintunde, Sen. Hosea Agboola, and Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), among others.

  • Shina Peller’s Influence Transcends Titles, Aide Affirms

    Shina Peller’s Influence Transcends Titles, Aide Affirms

    Shina Peller’s Influence Transcends Titles, Aide Affirms

     

    By Adewale Owoade.

     

    Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Hon. Shina Peller, Mr Kola Popoola, has described his principal as a destiny helper and Beacon of Inspiration.

     

    Popoola stated this in a statement made available to journalists

     

    According to him, “in the tapestry of life, we encounter individuals whose influence helps shape our paths and define our destinies. For me, one such remarkable figure is Hon. (Dr.) Shina Peller, the esteemed Ayedero of Yorubaland.

     

    “Ayedero’s impact goes beyond titles and recognition. He embodies the qualities of a true mentor and destiny helper. As I navigate the complexities of my ambitions, I draw immense inspiration from his leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to service.

     

    “Hon. Peller’s journey is both instructive and inspiring. Over the years, he has demonstrated uncommon dedication to community development and empowerment, particularly across Yorubaland.

     

    “His deliberate efforts to create opportunities and amplify the voices of the underprivileged resonate deeply with many of us who are striving to achieve our goals.

     

    “It is reassuring to know that leaders like him still exist—leaders who genuinely care about the welfare of their people and work tirelessly to uplift others through selfless service.”

     

    Popoola reflected on his own aspirations, and reminded of the importance of having supportive and principled figures in one’s life. Hon. Peller’s dedication continues to fuel his determination and strengthen his resolve.

     

    “Though I may not yet be where I ultimately envision myself, I remain confident that through hard work, faith, and perseverance, I will get there soon, insha Allah. His example encourages me to stay steadfast, trusting that every step taken with purpose brings one closer to success.

     

    “Indeed, the journey to achievement often requires guidance and encouragement. Hon. (Dr.) Shina Peller, as a major destiny helper in my life, exemplifies the true essence of leadership—compassion, perseverance, and integrity. With his influence lighting the way, I remain optimistic about the future and the boundless possibilities ahead.”

     

    “My people, let it be noted that together, we can pursue our dreams with confidence, strengthened by the wisdom, mentorship, and encouragement of those who believe in us,” Popoola concluded.

     

     

  • Rising Stars dethrone UI to win Propella Basketball Challenge

    Rising Stars dethrone UI to win Propella Basketball Challenge

    Rising Stars dethrone UI to win Propella Basketball Challenge

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju.

    ‎Rising Stars on Monday defeated the University of Ibadan (UI) Basketball Club 21–18 to win the seventh edition of the Propella 3×3 Male Open Basketball Challenge held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Showtyme emerged third after edging Ondo Raiders 21–16. UI, the defending champions, put up a spirited performance in a keenly contested final but narrowly lost the title.

    ‎Speaking after the game, UI coach, Momoh Zika, attributed his team’s defeat to inadequate preparation occasioned by ongoing examinations.

    Zika explained that the players had little time to train together, as they had to juggle academic commitments with the competition.

    “They left their examinations to play this game. We didn’t have any training session together to correct mistakes or build stamina.

    ‎“When students read overnight, they lose leg strength. However, they gave their best, and I am proud of them,” he said.

    Coach of Rising Stars, Taiye Shobogun, told NAN that his team is made up of young and upcoming players whose speed and agility gave them an edge.

    ‎“Our players are fast and swift on their feet. Their speed and precision with the ball paved the way for this victory, coupled with their skills.

    “They shot about 80 per cent more than UI, and that made the difference,” Shobogun said.

    ‎The convener of the competition, Tunde Popoola, said the event had now become an invitational tournament to improve the quality of play.

    Popoola disclosed that 12 teams participated in this year’s edition, including six teams from outside Ibadan.

    “Since UI will be hosting the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games in 2026, we invited institutions to give them the opportunity to prepare and strengthen their teams ahead of the event.

    ‎“Four universities participated in this year’s competition,” he said.

    Popoola added that the quality of skills displayed by participants had improved significantly over the years, describing this year’s edition as exceptional.

    ‎“It was a highly competitive tournament, and everyone gave their best. Over the years, many skilful players have emerged from this annual event,” he said.

    NAN reports that Rising Stars received ₦150,000 as prize money for winning the tournament, while UI got ₦100,000 and Showtyme ₦50,000.

    Lawrence Asieru emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition.

  • 2027: APC Launches Mobilisation Drive for Tinubu in Oyo.

    2027: APC Launches Mobilisation Drive for Tinubu in Oyo.

    ‎2027: APC Launches Mobilisation Drive for Tinubu in Oyo.

    By Adewale Owoade

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has commenced a statewide mobilisation drive in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, as party leaders and Renewed Hope Ambassadors began a 14–Federal Constituency tour aimed at unity and electoral success.

    ‎The flag-off ceremony, held at the Oba Adeyemi Stadium, Oyo town, attracted APC leaders, elders, ward executives and grassroots members from across the state, signalling renewed commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, Senator Teslim Folarin, said APC leaders in the state had resolved to set aside personal ambitions and work collectively for the party’s success in 2027.

    “APC is Oyo State, Oyo State is APC. And I think, like I’ve said, what we’ve come to do today is to test the mic and then pass on the message of Mr. President, that they want unity in the party. Everybody should put aside their ambition, at the end of the day, what will be will be, but let’s us build with this party, let us focus on improving the performance of Mr. President and the party, come 2027. “

    “This is the first of fourteen visits, we are still going to fourteen Federal Constituencies, this is just the beginning. You don’t have to ask me, you can see what you have seen. I’m delighted, I’m very happy with what I am seeing.

    ‎“People have been here since morning, despite the very harsh weather, it just shows their love for the party. I think we are on course because the message from Mr. President is that he wants us to improve our votes by thirty-five percent and with what I am seeing if we replicate this in all the fourteen Federal Constituencies, I think we would be okay. “

    ‎Folarin described the tour as a strategic effort combining grassroots mobilisation and stakeholder engagement to strengthen party structures across the state’s 33 local government areas.

    In separate remarks, former First Lady of Oyo State and Ambassador-designate, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the initiative as a unifying platform that reflected renewed discipline and cohesion within the Oyo APC.

    Also speaking, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu, noting that current economic challenges were global.

    ‎“We should keep on praying for the President and we should be more tolerant, we have to tolerate the situation more. It is not only in Nigeria that the economy situation is like this, is all over the world, things are very tough all over the world , and very soon relief will come.” Akintunde said.

    Prof. Adeolu Akande, former Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said recent consultations among party stakeholders had strengthened unity and preparedness ahead of 2027.

    ‎“If you witness the turnout at today’s rally, there is no doubt that the party is ready, united and stronger and it resolved to win in 2027.

    “The significant of the event of today is a demonstration of the new found love, unity and strength of the party, and this kind of rally is going to be held in the 14 federal constituencies of the state and considering the massive turnout of members there is no doubt that the APC is ready to over the mantle of leadership in Oyo state.”

    Senator, Sharafadeen Alli, Femi Lanlehin, and Ayo Adeseun, alongside Engr. Idris Adeoye, Engr. Remi Oseni, Hon. Olaide Muhammedah, Bolaji Repete, Akeem Olatunji and other party leaders, echoed Folarin’s call for unity, stressing that the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda hinges on collective action rather than rivalry.

    The event was attended by APC State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass; former Deputy Governors, Chief Iyiola Oladokun and Chief Moses Alake; Senators Abdulfatai Buhari and Sharafadeen Alli; Rt. Hon. Akeem Adeyemi and other party chieftains.

  • First Female Army General from Egbaland, Muftiat Akiyode, Laid to Rest in Ibadan

    First Female Army General from Egbaland, Muftiat Akiyode, Laid to Rest in Ibadan

    First Female Army General from Egbaland, Muftiat Akiyode, Laid to Rest in Ibadan

    By Adewale Owoade

    The death has been announced of Rt. Brigadier General Muftiat Toyosi Akiyode (rtd.), of the  Nigerian Army, who passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 64, after a brief illness.

    She was laid to rest the same day at the Military Cantonment Cemetery, Ibadan, in accordance with Islamic rites.

    In a statement signed by Mr. Kamar Toye Akiyode , senior brother, on behalf of the Akiyode Family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, it was disclosed that Brigadier General Akiyode was a distinguished officer of the Nigerian Army, who last served at Bonny Camp, Lagos, before her honourable retirement from active military service.

    Toye Akiyode, a one time editor of Vanguard newspaper, said late Brigadier General Muftiat Toyosi Akiyode (rtd.), was widely respected for her professionalism, discipline, and trailblazing contributions to the Armed Forces.

    The late Brigadier General is survived by her son, Abidemi Abdulfatai Akande, who is based in Australia, and her daughter, Mrs. Tomilayo Shukrat Falana, who resides in Lagos.

    Her passing is deeply mourned by her extended family, including the family of her late father, Alhaji Chief Y. S. G. Akiyode, of Ntoji Compound, Isale Ijeun, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    The family of her late mother, Alhaja Chief Mrs. Sidikat Akiyode (née Gbadamosi Adedoja), of Oloosa Igbonna Compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan; and her maternal grandmother’s family, Late Alhaja Rabiat Olorunkemi, of Sobaloju Compound, Osogbo, Osun State.

    ‎Late Brigadier General Muftiat Toyosi Akiyode holds a historic place as the first female General from Egbaland, a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

    May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Āmīn.

    ‎A former Minister of Sports and special Duties, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, also the Mogaji of Oloosa Igbonna Compound Popoyemoja ,Ibadan, who is an uncle to the Late army officer described her as respectful, focused, gentle and compassionate that will  forever be missed by the family

  • Makinde Signs ₦892bn 2026 Budget, Shifts Focus from Consumption to Production

    Makinde Signs ₦892bn 2026 Budget, Shifts Focus from Consumption to Production

    Pic 1: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle); signing the year 2026 appropriation bill into law, with him from left are; Deputy Governor, Barr Bayo Lawal; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Debo Ogundoyin and others, held at Executive Chamber Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

    Makinde Signs ₦892bn 2026 Budget, Shifts Focus from Consumption to Production.

    By Adewale Owoade

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the state’s 2026 Budget is deliberately structured to de-emphasise consumption and prioritise production, describing the approach as the most sustainable pathway to economic expansion in the state.

    The governor stated this shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    He called on all stakeholders to work in alignment with the state’s development framework to ensure the full and effective implementation of the budget for the benefit of residents.

    Governor Makinde noted that his administration has consistently maintained a realistic budgeting process, resulting in improved budget performance over the past six years.

    “The objective of the ₦892 billion 2026 Budget is to engender genuine economic growth by reducing our dependence on federal allocations.

    “For us, this 2026 budget has de-emphasised consumption. We are in an environment where history challenges us, and we dare to be different. We choose to be productive.

    ‎“We want to expand our economy and depend less on federal allocation, because that is the only path to sustainable growth.

    ‎“People may say we are standing alone. Yes, we will continue to stand alone if we are certain we are standing in the right place. That is the spirit of Oyo people. Our history teaches us to chart our own course.

    ‎“That is exactly what we have done with this budget. We are ensuring that we consume only according to what we can produce. As we expand production, our capacity to consume will also increase.”

    Finally, I am on my way out and I have one more budget to present but I won’t be the one to implement the budget to the end. I will implement it till May 29th.

    “So, what I am asking for is for us to work together so that the implementation of this budget will follow the consistent pattern we have developed over these past six plus years so that Oyo State people can get the full benefits of this.

    ‎“I promise the people of Oyo State that we will serve them till the last minute of the last day. This is one of the critical areas we can maintain the service to the people.

    ‎“If peradventure, we get into the middle of the year and we have some surplus, some windfall or some of the engagement that we are having, if it should yield something better, we will come back to the House of Assembly to present a supplementary budget.

    ‎“We may still get to the N1trn mark but we won’t get there magically. We will get there through data and logic.”

    The governor also used the occasion to appreciate key stakeholders, including the Oyo State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, labour unions and residents, for their sustained support, noting that collective commitment has always placed the interest of the state above all other considerations.

    ‎Earlier, while presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill for assent, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, described the budget as bold and daring, stating that it would have a direct impact on the quality of life of residents.

    ‎He added that the swift but conscientious passage of the bill underscored the strong synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government.

    ‎In his remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, said the 2026 Budget is anchored on productive and transformational projects aimed at repositioning Oyo State as a global economic landmark.

    The event had in attendance a former Governor of Oyo State and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.

    Also in attendance were former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Sunkanmi Babalola and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    ‎Other top government functionaries in attendance include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; labour union leaders, religious leaders and traditional rulers, among other dignitaries.

    Pic 2: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle); his deputy governor, Barr Bayo Lawal (left); Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade (second left); Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (second right); Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Debo Ogundoyin (right) and others, during the signing of the year 2026 appropriation bill into law, held at Executive Chamber Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.