Author: Wale Owoade

Makinde praises Workers’ commitment to Oyo

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has commended public and civil servants for their dedication and support to the state’s development.

Makinde gave the commendation at the 2025 Public Service Week and 2024 Merit Award Ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Makinde said, “Public and civil servants have two legs: the career officers and us, the elected officials.

“ In my six years plus as governor, we’ve been extremely lucky to work with civil servants who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to the state.

“That is why, when some people ask what the government intends to achieve with the 13th-month salary, the answer is simple: despite facing economic headwinds in the past six years, we have continued because we enjoyed your support.

“These two legs must continue to work together in the interest of our state. For me and this administration, we will continue to prioritise your welfare and well-being.

“To those who have received awards, congratulations — and more strength to your elbows. Don’t relent. And for those who didn’t win this time, strive harder; your time will come.”

Chairman of the event and former Oyo State Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade, stressed the importance of synergy and cooperation between elected officials and career civil servants, describing both as essential pillars of effective governance.

In her welcome address, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to workforce development and for institutionalising the Public Service Week.

Oni said, “This year’s theme ‘Digital Transformation and E-Governance for Effective Service Delivery in Public Institutions’ reflects the global reality that the future of governance rests on technology, innovation and digital inclusion.

“The Public Service remains the cornerstone of national stability and progress.

“For us in Oyo State, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate our values of integrity, accountability, professionalism, innovation, courage and commitment wherever we found ourselves.

“I must commend the extraordinary commitment of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc., GSSRS, who has not only sustained, but elevated the Public Service Week into an institutional platform for growth and excellence.

“Under your watch, the Civil/Public Service has recorded landmark achievements in 2025.

“These are not mere policy achievements but legacies of a labour-friendly Governor who recognises that the Public Service is the engine of development.”

Forty-two outstanding workers from the Ministry of Health, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) received merit awards.

Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented by Justice M. O. Ishola); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

Others are Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; labour leaders and other senior government officials. (NAN)

IBEDC Rolls Out 55,000 Free Meters, Warns Against Extortion and Bypass
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‎By Adewale Owoade
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‎The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the resumption of its free prepaid meter installation exercise under Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), two major initiatives aimed at closing the metering gap across its franchise area.
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‎In a statement signed by the Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Angela Olanrewaju, the company said a total of 33,450 smart meters will be deployed under MAF Tranche B, while 22,104 meters will be installed under DISREP Phase 1.
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‎IBEDC explained that the MAF rollout prioritizes unmetered customers on Band A feeders, while DISREP will cater to customers on Bands A and B.
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‎The company reaffirmed that both the meters and installation are entirely free, cautioning customers against making any payment to installers or staff.
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‎“The meters are completely free, and installation is also free. Customers must not make any form of payment to anyone. Anyone requesting money should be reported via maf_disrep@ibedc.com or ethicscompliance@ibedc.com,” the statement emphasised.
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‎IBEDC noted that the MAF scheme is funded through a market-supported mechanism approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to help electricity distribution companies bridge the metering gap nationwide.
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‎“The scheme complements the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and is designed to accelerate nationwide metering. It will run concurrently with the MAP scheme, but unlike MAP, MAF meters come at no cost to customers,” the statement added.
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‎The company urged customers to cooperate with installers by granting them access upon presentation of valid identification.
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‎ “Denying access for meter installation may result in disconnection as directed by NERC. We urge customers to cooperate fully so we can serve them better.”
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‎IBEDC also warned against tampering with or bypassing the new meters, stressing that such acts constitute energy theft and attract serious penalties.
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‎Customers with outstanding arrears were encouraged to visit the nearest IBEDC office for resolution to ensure a smooth transition to prepaid metering. However, the company clarified that outstanding bills will not disqualify any customer from receiving a free meter.
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‎ “No customer will be denied a meter on account of outstanding bills. Arrears will be managed in line with the company’s debt settlement policy and established procedures,” the statement said.
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287 Pilgrims Return with Testimonies as Smile Dove Wraps Up 2025 Holy Tour

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‎By Adewale Owoade

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‎Smile Dove Travel has announced the successful completion of its 2025 Holy Pilgrimage to Jordan and Jerusalem, a spiritually enriching journey that took place from November 17 to 25, 2025.

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‎The Managing Director of Smile Dove Travel, Dr. Oluwasesan Marcus Debo, disclosed that this year’s pilgrimage—organised in partnership with Comfort Life Mission—recorded an impressive turnout, with 287 pilgrims from Nigeria and the diaspora participating.

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‎According to Debo, the pilgrims embarked on a profound 7-day spiritual experience, visiting major biblical sites across Jordan and Israel.

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‎The journey, he noted, offered participants moments of deep reflection, prayer, and renewal of faith. All pilgrims returned safely, many testifying to divine encounters and spiritual upliftment.

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‎He expressed heartfelt appreciation to spiritual leaders, partners, coordinators, and the entire Smile Dove family for their unwavering support and trust, which he said has continued to position Smile Dove Travel as one of Africa’s most reliable names in pilgrimage and global travel.

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‎“To all our pilgrims—thank you for choosing Smile Dove,” Debo said. “We remain committed to delivering excellent hospitality, peaceful travel experiences, and unforgettable journeys.”

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‎He added that the company would continue to uphold its promise of providing pilgrims with comfort, care, and memorable encounters, saying: “Smile Dove Travel… giving you a super hug and a journey you will never forget.”

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Makinde Reaffirms Oyo’s Commitment to Gender Inclusion.

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has restated his administration’s dedication to expanding opportunities for women to assume leadership roles across the state.

Makinde made the remarks while receiving members of the TOS Foundation during a courtesy visit.

“In Oyo State, we are a little bit different. The Head of Service and the SSG tick the box as far as gender inclusivity is concerned.

“Also, there are four female commissioners in the Cabinet. We have women as the Commissioners for Women Affairs, Health, Youth and Sport, and Special Duties.

“When we came into government in 2019, we only had one female member of the State House of Assembly. But today, there are two. Yes, maybe just a step, but we believe that step is in the right direction.

“But one thing that I will say is, all of them got their appointments on merit. It wasn’t about, oh, okay, I should get an SSG that is female just for the sake of optics. We are gender-friendly. Yes, we are,” he said.

Responding to the foundation’s appeal for support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, Makinde acknowledged the current imbalance in women’s representation but insisted that any such provision should be time-bound.

“I agree that today there is gender imbalance. But in 20 years, will this still be the case? I will support the bill to the extent that there is a time limit — maybe 16 years,” he stated.

Earlier, the leader of the TOS Foundation delegation, Osasu Ogwuche, restated the need for stronger legislative measures to promote women’s political participation. She noted that despite progress, women remain underrepresented.

“Women remain underrepresented in politics despite the progress we have made. It is time to break the glass ceiling,” she said.

Ogwuche explained that the proposed bill aims to entrench gender-affirming provisions guaranteeing women a minimum level of representation in elective offices. She described women as vital agents of national development.

She also stressed the importance of enhancing women’s mobility and economic opportunities, calling for the state government’s backing for a partnership with Isuzu to expand the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in Oyo State.

“Access to safe and affordable transportation remains a key factor in women’s mobility and economic empowerment,” she said.

Governor Makinde assured the delegation that the proposals would be duly considered, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to policies that foster equity and inclusion.

Those present at the meeting included the wife of the Oyo State governor, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Biodun Aikomo; and members of the TOS Foundation. (NAN)

Hoteliers backs ‘Vibing December’ in Oyo state.

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

The Hoteliers Association, Oyo State chapter has thrown its weight behind the forthcoming ‘Vibing December’ initiative by the state government.

They described it as a commendable initiative that would significantly enhance the state’s festive atmosphere while also stimulating the local economy.

The President of the association, Mr Ayodele Ogundele at a news conference in Ibadan said the programme would help put the state strategically on the map as a tourist destination in December.

Ogundele said that many hotels and apartments in the state would offer a 10 per cent discount on lodging to encourage increased patronage.

He commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for his administration’s impressive investments in road networks and other infrastructures across the state.

“The improved roads networks have significantly eased movement for residents and visitors thereby encouraging the surge in hotels and apartments,” he said.

He, however, said that to strengthen the success of the event, hotel owners should embark on individual and collective publicity efforts, including placing banners and adverts to promote the ‘Vibing December’.

On security, Ogundele assured that the state government had put adequate measures in place, but called on hoteliers to intensify internal surveillance to curb criminals activities within their facilities.

He said the association was deeply concerned about what he described as the multiple and exploitative taxes currently imposed on hospitality businesses in the state

“Hoteliers have increasingly become targets of consultants of all sorts, including non-state actors who allegedly hide under government authority to extort hotel operators.

“Even the taxes that are mandatory have become exploitative. We are being targeted by individuals claiming to be working for the government.

“Some even go as far as carrying padlocks and chains to lock up hotels,” he said.

Ogundele lamented the imposition of emission taxes on generators used by hotels, saying operators resort to alternative power because public electricity remains unreliable.

He appealed to the state government to urgently address the challenge of multiple taxation.

“We pay emission tax on the generator we use. It’s not our wish to use generators. If government provides stable electricity, we won’t need them.

“I recalled that the government introduced a harmonised tax system during its first term, a system that gave hoteliers clarity and reduced arbitrary charges.

“When the Seyi Makinde administration came in, they gave us harmonised taxes, and we knew what we were paying on a single document.

“What we have now is arbitrary and a form of extortion,” he said.

Ogundele urged the government to ensure that the proposed new tax law genuinely addresses the concerns of the hospitality industry and restores order to the revenue collection process

Makinde Pledges to Resolve Circular Road Issues.

By Adewale Owoade

Gov. Seyi Makinde has met with stakeholders in the Ologuneru axis, in fulfilment of his promise to engage property owners affected by the 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, Oyo State.

The hours-long engagement saw the governor listen to representatives of affected property owners, assuring them that his administration would resolve all setback and development-corridor concerns before leaving office in 2027.

“The road is not like a road between Oje and Beere; this is a rapid transit. People are going to be moving at a fast pace, so for that level of movement, you need to have a standard setback.

“So again, we are going to sit down with everybody. If we say we should not go 500, yes, in some places we cannot go beyond 500 metres, but we still have to maintain that minimum setback because of the type of road we are constructing.”

Representatives of property owners praised the governor’s compassion and urged him to bring a lasting solution to the longstanding issues.

They expressed confidence in his ability to address their concerns.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; commissioners, local government chairmen and traditional leaders.

(NAN)