₦airaland Forum

Burning of waste creates air pollution which could adversely affect the health of others. Besides, not all wastes can be incinerated; cans, bottles, etc cannot burn.

Dumping of refuse in the stream or on waterways is even worse as it could return with anger as a raging flood which would wreak havoc on lives and properties.

It is healthy to dispose wastes off properly. Let us drop them in a bin and call on the approved waste collectors to pick them up. No need to get stressed looking for the collector to pick it up as OYOWMA has the city covered and has assigned refuse collectors to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Just call OYOWMA on 09099581501 to have your waste collected for a token.

A clean environment is a healthy one. A cleaner Oyo state, is a task for all and one that will be done.

#BinYourTrash

#OyoAsiwajuNiwa

FADAMA III Empowers 660 Rice Farmers In Oyo State With N121m Farm Inputs…

No fewer than 660 rice farmers in Oyo State on Thursday benefited from cash and farm inputs worth N121.07 million under the FADAMA III Additional Financing project.
Mr Oyewole Oyewumi , Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development disclosed this during the flag-off of fund disbursement and inputs distribution to rice production groups.

The programme was organised by the Oyo State FADAMA III Additional Financing Project.
Oyewumi , represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Adewale Atilola, said the farmers, drawn from 15 local government areas in the state, would be supported with improved rice seeds, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and production assets such as sprayers, wheel barrows.

“The farmers are being supported under the FADAMA III Additional Financing inputs support of 50 /50 cost of sharing arrangement between the benefitting production groups and the project.

“The project supporting matching fund is a grant and not loan that will be paid back.

“ I urge the beneficiaries to reciprocate the good gesture of the state government by making judicious use of the inputs provided to boost agricultural production in the state,’’ the commissioner said.

He appealed to the farmers to use the opportunity to improve on their livelihood through active engagement in agriculture both in dry and rainy seasons.
Oyewumi said that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi placed priority on agriculture
Earlier, Mr Nathanal Olayinka, Oyo State Project Coordinator of FADAMA III, said the aim of the programme was to encourage farmers and to let them see agriculture as a profitable business.

Olayinka advised the farmers to make judicious use of the items, adding that they would be monitored to ensure compliance with the rules of the project.
He commended the state government for providing. its own counterpart fund.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Amos Okunlola, commended the government and promised the judicious use of the cash and inputs.

Oyo State Government has said that over N22bn has been expended on the Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) since 2011, confirming that the recently inaugurated Governing Council is already finding a lasting solution to the crisis in the institution.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, who made the disclosure on Thursday during a Ministerial Press Briefing, held at the Film Theatre, Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, revealed that the Governing Council has had a series of meetings with the Unions of the institution to resolve the current imbroglio, saying that the unions have consented to the forensic auditing recommended by the visitation panel to the institution.

Prof. Olowofela said that the forensic audit is for all the tertiary institutions in the state to know the state of their finances, saying that the tertiary institution’s fees will be reviewed as the present fees being paid are highly subsidized by the government.

The Commissioner explained that N10.5bn has been spent on LAUTECH as an institution, N8.317bn expended on LAUTECH teaching hospital Ogbomoso while N3.17bn has been spent on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo from 2011 to 2017 adding, “It is a wrong insinuation to say that we are care free about the LAUTECH crisis. We are not happy with the situation in the school but there is good news already. The unions have agreed to the forensic audit recommended by the visitation panel and the crisis is coming to an end with lasting solutions. The governing council is meeting the unions and stakeholders of the institution on a regular basis.

“Tertiary institutions’ fees are being subsidized by the state government. For instance, A 300-level student at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education as at now is paying N8,000.00 and the highest fee being paid in LAUTECH is less than N70,000.00. We all know what the economy is saying and we are aware what is being paid in other government institutions and private ones. We are subsidizing fees paid in institutions in the state and we are committed to quality education for all. We want to assure our stakeholders in the education sector that the LAUTECH and other crisis in the sector will be resolved in due course,” the commissioner disclosed.

Prof. Olowofela noted that there is a surgical operation going on in the education sector in the state starting with automatic promotion which adversely affected the standard of education not only in Oyo state but Nigeria as a whole; explaining that the state government has introduced the ‘No Automatic Promotion” policy and started a unified examination system as well as harmonized grading for S.S 1 & 2 students in public schools in the state to improve the state’s performances in external examinations, WAEC and NECO.

He noted that the efforts of the government has started yielding fruitful results with the state coming 2nd in NECO external examination in 2016, better than 12th position of 2015, urging that the media should be wary of the reports they publish so as not to mislead the general public on the present rating of the state in external examinations.

Prof. Olowofela stated that the recently introduced School Governing Boards for Public secondary schools in the state is a master stroke that is changing the schools’ system, emphasising that the paradigm has changed and the SGBs are improving the standard of education and infrastructures in Oyo State schools.

He posited that the SGB model will outlive the present administration as it is yielding positive results already, explaining “One of our SGBs put N125m to renovate their school and they are presently trying to raise N1bn now. The SGB is a master stroke that will change education in the state forever. The Government has also approved and initiated the process of renovating 100 schools with about N5bn comprising of N3b counterpart funding and N1.9bn  which is a combination of  funds generated from the students’ levies and state government’s internally generated revenue.

“We want our students to take advantage of our Oyo State Model Education System Intervention (OYOMESI) to build good character and the Ajumose Legacy Note for secondary schools to download text books from the web, while the hard copies are also available in the Ministry,” the Commissioner stressed.

Prof. Olowofela said that the Education Trust Fund (ETF) inaugurated recently by Governor Abiola Ajimobi would complement the budgetary allocation at all levels by the government, adding that 5% of VAT to State/Local Government will go to ETF as well as 1% from IGR and 1% paid by students of private schools will go into the pool.

The Commissioner pointed out that The Technical University, Ibadan (TechU) will be self-financing, saying that the government is just midwifing the university that will develop the vocational skills of its students and promote technical education.

TECHNICAL University (Tech-U), Ibadan, established by the Oyo State government, will begin academic activities by October 2017.

This is also as the management team of the institution said it is out to bridge the observable yawning gap between theoretical knowledge and technical skill Nigeria needs to enable it make progress as a nation.

Professor Ayo Salami, the pioneer vice chancellor of the university, disclosed this on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Tribune House, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, together with the pioneer management team of the institution.

He said he and his team had to visit the Tribune House to formally intimate it about the mission and vision of the university and to enlist its support, knowing the passion the organisation has for education in Nigeria and Africa in general.

Salami expressed concerns that Nigeria’s current tertiary education curriculum largely equips youths with theoretical knowledge, but does not impart the skill necessary to translate the knowledge to real development.

“There can only be progress in any country when skill is matched with knowledge. When you look at countries that are progressing in the world; it’s not only the countries where they have the knowledge, but where they couple knowledge with skills.

“When there is disconnect between skill and knowledge, you cannot really make progress. And in this country today, we have a (skill) gap. We have people who have the knowledge, but the knowledge does not translate to skill,” he said.

The vice chancellor attributed the current crisis in the country’s education sector to a ‘dysfunctional system’.

“We have a system that is producing products that are not fit for the market; what the market needs is not what the tertiary sector here is turning out. Look at Nigerian engineers. We are just theoretical engineers. When people graduate and get to industry, industry needs to retrain them – those who are lucky to get the jobs.

“Technical University is (here) to bridge that gap; to ensure that our youths are not only endowed with knowledge, but are equipped with the skill that can make them useful not only to the country, but also to themselves,” he added

To achieve this, Professor Salami said that at Technical University, when it takes off in October, students will be taught the theoretical aspects of their courses by top-grade professors and Ph.D holders, but the practical aspects would be handled by professionals who are practising in the industry.

“These professionals will not only be the ones to train students, they will also be the ones to conduct examinations,” he said.

Technical University, which according to the vice chancellor will be a fully residential, fee-paying institution, will take off with two faculties – Faculty of Engineering and Technology and the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

It will also have a Centre for Language and General Studies as well as Centre for Entrepreneurial and Vocational Studies.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr Edward Dickson, while welcoming the vice chancellor and his team on behalf of the Tribune management, expressed faith in the managerial ability and expertise of Professor Salami to head the institution.

He pledged that Tribune, a national institution, would support the niversity in every way it could. He then prayed for the vice chancellor and his team for God’s grace to succeed.

Other members of the TechU team that accompanied the vice chancellor included the registrar of the university, Mr Alex Oladeji; Director at the VC’s Office, Mrs Olayinka Balogun; Mr Oladipo Fagbamila, and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Ademola Adesola.

Members of the ANN Plc that received the Tech-U team, apart from the managing director, are the Editor, Sunday Tribune, Mr Sina Oladeinde; Editor, Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, and the Senior Manager, Human Resource, Mrs Bukola Ezeamaka.

It's a lie! I don't know why people likes spreading false news.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led Oyo State Government on Wednesday said that it has disbursed over N13bn to settle the average of about 5months salaries owed local government workers and primary school teachers as well as their pensioners in the state.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, who disclosed this in Ibadan, stated that the N13,739,592,266.24 released to the Ministry from the office of the State’s Accountant General comprised of the April, May and June allocations for Local Governments in the state and a share from Paris Club Re-fund.

Kolade said that N13,739,592,266.24bn was inclusive of SUBEB funds, explaining that N3,088,014,271.45bn was released for April, N3,396,208,585.99 for May and N5,255,369,408.80bn for June while N2bn was released for Local government workers and pensioners’ welfare by Governor Abiola Ajimobi from the refunded second tranche N7.9 Paris Club fund.

The Commissioner charged all Caretaker Chairmen to be prudent with the fund, expressing optimism that outstanding salaries of some 15 Council areas put at an average of 2months will be offset.

He cautioned the Caretaker Chairmen against over bloated staff strength which he said always make it difficult for them to offset their wage bills promptly, urging that they should limit their ad-hoc staff to only those they can afford to pay their bills as at when due.

Oyo State government has issued two-week ultimatum to places of worship including churches and mosques and owners of clubs, bars and restaurants to remove their external speakers.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Ishola who issued this ultimatum on Tuesday during a inter-ministerial press briefing also disclosed that no fewer than 372 environmental offenders have been prosecuted in the last one year.


Ishola flanked with his Information, Culture and Tourism counterpart and other aides of the governor said the ultimatum became necessary due to complaints and distress calls by residents of the state over noise pollution.

He said that it has been observed that most of the complaints on noise pollution are from places of worship, as he warned that people should not use their religious activities to disturb others.

“We are giving churches and mosques with externals speakers two weeks to remove them. They have been given 2 weeks to remove them.

“You don’t use religion to disturb others. I am a christian, if I can do that for christian…


“Our laws doe not permit that.

He, however, said that his ministry has arrested and prosecuted no fewer than 372 environmental offenders in the last one year.

“The ministry has two mobile courts that sit during the day, we have arranged that magistrate courts should also try environmental offenders.

Ishola while speaking further declared that traders at the Temidire plank market were asked to vacate the premises for another location solely for environmental hazard, noise pollution, lack of drainage and its closeness to the main road.


“The Temidire Planks market, sawmills suppose to be at the outskirts of the town. You are aware of Temidire market, it was closed due to some reasons. Firstly environmental hazard, then noise pollution, thirdly, there is no drainage in the market, if there is heavy rain, the place will be flooded and fortly, the market is very close to the road”.

Oyo identifies 60 new erosion prone sites, seeks FG’s intervention
Wale Akinselure



An erosion site in Anambra State
About 60 new sites vulnerable to erosion among other ecological threats have been identified in Oyo state, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Isaac Ishola has disclosed.



Ishola made disclosure on Monday at the instance of the visit by the Ecological fund office, Abuja, to the state to assess ecological problem sites.

Speaking at Eleekara Academy, Ibadan, which one of the problem sites visited, Ishola said the visit was in line with the request by the state for continued federal government intervention in addressing ecological problems.

Beyond the 60 fresh sites, he noted that state government had also sought federal government’s intervention in some other problematic sites.

Speaking on observations from the assessment, leader of the Ecological fund team, Mr Lawrence Ojabo decried poor maintenance of existing structures, dumping of refuse in drainages and blockage of waterways.

He bemoaned that Nigerians continued to create problems for themselves by failing to take heed to environmental sanitation rules.

He said collaboration between federal, state and local communities was the FG’s strategy in resolving ecological problems.

“Some of these problems are our own creations. If you clog the water ways, you create problems and there would be devastation because water will find its own level. If you dump refuse on water ways, drainages, you create problems and this is a major problem in our environment. This is not helpful to the government, community and individuals.”

“Government does not have enough resources to re-do projects that were done before. Due to lack of maintenance, you see a lot of structures giving way. So the federal government is trying to ensure that federal, state and local government work together to address ecological problems.”

The ecological fund team which toured various ecological problematic sites in Ibadan, on Monday, will visit other parts of Oyo state by Thursday.

The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has expressed what he considered the bane of smooth academic activities at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, which is jointly owned by the Osun and Oyo State governments, saying the two states were financially incapacitated, and not an act of insensitivity.

The governor disclosed this on Sunday , while playing host to some medical students from the Osun State University, who recently returned from Ukraine, after the completion of their studies, solely sponsored by the Osun state government.


Aregbesola explained that the frustrations of the students of LAUTECH, as well as their parents in the face of the unending strike should be a thing of concern to all and sundry, adding that such action portends a great danger to the future of the students.

He argued that it is practically irrational for anybody to think that the two owner states are insensitive towards the plights of the students , stressing that the reality is that the two states were incapacitated financially.

“I am using this medium to appeal to the striking lecturers of LAUTECH to please return to work in the interest of the students whose future are being jeopardized.

“I urge them to reason along the same line of thought of the two owner states for a solution to be quickly found in solving the problem.


“It will be wrong for anybody to have the notion that the two owner state governors are being insensitive towards the situation of the school.

“It is not a matter of being insensitive, the truth is that the two owner states are financially incapacitated if they want to meet the demands of the striking lecturers, there is no way you can give what you don’t have.

“If the higher cadre of the civil service in Osun can agree to be collecting a fraction of their salaries because of the harsh economic condition government has found itself, I see no reason why the LAUTECH lectures can’t reason with government”. Aregbesola said.

Aregbesola emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency in the financial management of the ivory tower, noting that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the University should ordinarily be of great help in the running of the school, to the extent of making it self-reliant like many of its status.


He insisted that a thorough and open audit of the LAUTECH accounts remains non-negotiable as an integral panacea to the crisis rocking the school.

“If UNIOSUN with fewer numbers of students than LAUTECH could run successfully within its internally generated revenue, I see no reason why LAUTECH with more students population can not run itself.

“We want this problem to be over so that our children can return to school and pursue their academic carrier.


“I appeal to the lecturers to return to class while a proper audit of the school will be done so as to unravel the real problem of the school and we can correct it”, Aregbesola stressed.


http://dailypost.ng/2017/08/14/lautech-incapacitated-not-insensitive-aregbesola/

Oyo govt prosecutes street light vandals, warns against disturbance of public facilities

 


The Oyo State Government has said that the full weight of the law will be applied on anybody caught vandalizing government properties, disclosing that one Ademola Ibrahim caught vandalizing solar powered streetlight is being prosecuted.


Similarly, the government has urged the people to serve at the watchdog of government properties as well as informing the security agencies of any trespass they notice.


The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, in a statement on Monday said that the incessant theft and vandalisation of street and traffic light installation parts by the men of the underworld is thwarting government’s efforts to illuminate major roads in the state.


Arulogun disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force, Yemetu Divisional Headquarter arrested and charged one Mr. Ademola Ibrahim, who was caught in the act of vandalizing solar powered street light along Total Garden/Mokola Road (Queen Elizabeth Road) Ibadan to the Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan for prosecution.


According to the Commissioner, “We have observed with dismay the attitude of some individuals who vandalise government property. The street light panel along Queen Elizabeth Road, UCH was stolen and this has caused street lighting around the area to malfunction, throwing the city into darkness. The same thing is happening to the street lights around Jericho area.


“We have notified the security agencies about the activities of these vandals. Anybody caught will be dealt with and the full weight of law will be applied. We will not tolerate anyone thwarting our developmental efforts and causing a breach of security.


“We want to call on the citizens to be vigilant as well. The government cannot do it alone and we cannot be everywhere at the same time.  This is one of the key reasons for the government's Safe Security Initiative. We want the people to support us by engaging in community policing.” the government spokesman explained.



-- 


'Toye Arulogun

Hon Commissioner, 

Min.of Info., Culture & Tourism,

Oyo State Government

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, has commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state for the payment of two months, April and May 2017, pensions to pensioners in the state.

The NUP in an August 8, 2017 letter to the Governor, titled: Letter of Appreciation to ‘Baba Ibeji’ (father of twins) and signed by its Chairman, Pa Gbadegesin Akande and Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Abatan explained that in view of what is happening to pensioners in other States of the Federation, the union appreciated the kind disposition of the governor.

According to the letter, the pensioners stated “on behalf of Oyo State Pensioners, we, offer our profound appreciation to you on the payment of the two months of April and May 2017 pensions to Oyo State Pensioners. In view of what is happening to pensioners in other States of the Federation, we really appreciate your kind disposition.”

The NUP commended the governor for the appropriateness of the setting up of the Community Relations Department, saying that the members of the department will no doubt be the eyes as well as the ears of the government and would give the true picture of the happenings in the polity.

“We commend you for this sagacious decision. The Committee, in her interface with our Union, called for a joint meeting of all the three forums of Chairmen and Women, who are the main representatives of Pensioners of the Union,” the union stressed.

The union said that they are not in opposition with the government whose leadership was conferred with the “Best Pensioner-friendly Governor in the history of Oyo State, describing the Nigeria Union of Pensioners as a non-political, non-religious organization that cannot be in opposition to the government.
The NUP said, “This statement is important to debunk insinuations in some quarters that the NUP does not love this government. Now that the financial situation in respect of income to government is improving, we pray that the governor will be empowered to not only pay another “Ibeji”(two months) but “Ibeta” ( three months) and clear all arrears of gratuities and pensions.

“While we appreciate you on behalf of State Pensioners, we appeal to your Excellency to extend this kind gesture to retired Primary School Teachers and Local Government retirees by also granting them two months Paris refund and fashion out template to vacate the state’s indebtedness to these teachers and Local Government Pensioners. We also await the intervention of N1b promised to kickstart the gratuities of these people which had not been paid since 2008,” the NUP added.

Oyo State government on Tuesday sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six health management organisations (HMOs), in its mandatory health insurance drive.



Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan said the HMOs will ensure that both the informal and formal sectors are covered under the health insurance scheme and that at least the scheme can enrols at least 2.5 million persons in three years.

The Commissioner, who noted that health is the priority of Oyo State government, added “the state takes this programme very important because it will like to meet the Sustainable development goals (SDGs), including the universal health coverage for all.”

He declared that already all public office holders in Oyo State, including members of the House of Assembly had been enrolled in the scheme, adding that the government is working assiduously to also ensure that all civil servants gets enrolled as well.

Dr Adeduntan declared that as the health insurance scheme will be focusing on universal health for all, the newly launched Health Endowment Fund will help to ensure facilities in government hospitals are upgraded to at least the minimum acceptable standard.

Chairman, Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN), Dr Tunde Ladele, remarking that the state’s model for health insurance was unique, assured that the scheme’s target of 2.5 million enrollees will have a good start as all civil servants are enrolled immediately.

Dr Ladele also commended Oyo State government for also targeting the informal sector, saying the state’s model of insurance was very good.

Secretary, HMCAN and Managing Director, Ultimate Health Management,  Mr Lekan Ewenla, who described the platform the state is adopting as the best to drive the initiative, assured that the six HMOs will be working as consortium to ensure universal health coverage in the state.

He also stressed the need to ensure that all staffsof local government also buy into the scheme.

Earlier, Acting Executive secretary, Oyo State health Insurance Agency, Dr Olusola Akande said the HMOs were picked based on merit, after going through the necessary due process.

Flood: Oyo To Demolish Over 1,000 Houses, Illegal Structures

To prevent flooding, the Oyo State government will embark on mass‎ demolition of over 1,000 illegal structures blocking waterways and causing flood across the state.

Making this disclosure was the ‎Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Dr. Gbade Ojo, who spoke yesterday at the monthly seminar of the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in Ibadan, the state capital.

The NISER project report, with the theme: Socio-Economic Implications of Urban Renewal Programmes in Southwest Nigeria: The Case of Ogun, Osun and Oyo states, was presented by a Senior Research Fellow of the institute’s Social and Governance Policy Research Department, Dr. Abubakar Oladeji.

Oladeji advised that residents be enlightened on urban renewal as well as enforcement of legislation on environmental sanitation.

Ojo said the government identified over 1,000 illegal structures blocking waterways across the state.

The governor’s aide informed the gathering that the government decided to remove them in the next few weeks to avert flooding.

He said: “Government will remove the structures.  Those qualified for compensation will be compensated. But I can state categorically here that a mass demolition is coming.

“In the same vein, road expansion is also coming across the state. The government will, however, continue to step up the sensitisation and mobilisation of the public on the adverse effects of flooding with a view to checkmating the ugly trend.

“The state government is much more determined than ever before to enforce the urban renewal programmes with its current recruitment of able-bodied environmental enforcement officials. We can only advise and appeal to the public to be more prudent in their refuse disposal and environmental management.”
E

GOVERNMENT OF and BY THE PEOPLE INDEED - the School's Governing Boards (SGB) policy is yielding fruit.

The intention of government for establishing the SGBs is to institutionalize and encourage communal and collective management of our public/state-owned schools.

With this new policy, the SGB runs the affairs of the schools, while government supervises and pays salaries of teachers and non- teaching staff, and ensure they act in line with laid down procedures in school management.

The introduction of the SGB policy by the Ajimobi government is aimed at restoring, transforming and repositioning the education sector in the state, and has started yielding positive fruits as Old Student’s Associations, Philanthropists, Parent Teacher Associations, Private Companies among others continuously stretched forth their good hands for the betterment of education sector in general and their Alma Mata in particular.

The gestures of Old Students' Association - Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo through various class sets have demonstrated the commitment and cooperation of Old students that no government can shoulder the responsibilities of education alone. It is this conviction that gave birth to the establishment of the School Governing Boards (SGBs).

The Alumni Association of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo has renovated several blocks of classrooms stocked with furniture, revived music block among others.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseEducation

JUST IN: NUC Approves TECH-U Academic ProgrammesBy InsideOyo on August 7, 2017@@insideoyo

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 14 programmes for the commencement of academic activities of the Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan.

This approval clears the way for the institution to proceed with the admission of students beginning from the 2017/2018 academic session.

A five-member resource-evaluation team of the NUC, led by Dr G. B. Kumo, had visited the University mid last month to assess its human and material resource readiness before take-off.

Tech-U is the first technical university in Nigeria and West and Central Africa. In a release made available to the press by the media office of the University, it was stated that the approved courses are to be run in the seven departments and two faculties the University is taking off with.

The two faculties are Faculties of Natural Sciences and Engineering and Technology. The release showed that the courses given full accreditation by the NUC include Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Physics with Electronics, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, and Statistics. Others include Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ayobami Salami, expressed delight with the approval, noting that the University would operate in a way that ensures that higher education live up to its highest potential to ennoble the human spirit and advance human society.



According to him, “The Technical University is a unique institution that is committed to training its students to create tomorrow today by giving them access to a broad range of knowledge that allows them to develop the capacity to innovate. Through unwavering commitment to the time-honoured principles of impactful innovation, first-rate research collaborations, exceptional services, unalloyed integrity, and unyielding quest for excellence, we seek to develop hands and minds that will meaningfully improve the human condition in Nigeria and beyond.

“As a technical university, we have an abiding obligation to efficiently and responsibly use theoretical and practical knowledge of science, technology, and engineering in engaging societal problems, while maintaining a culture of entrepreneurship anchored on quality programmes that are responsive and financially suitable and sustainable. It is in that connection that we provide entrepreneurial and vocational trainings to all students.”

Part of the uniqueness of the University, according to the release, is that, regardless of their areas of study, all students will undergo trainings in two vocational programmes in which they will be certified before graduation.

Students will also be required to sign in for French Language and undergo immersion as a prerequisite for graduation. Additionally, they are to learn one other Nigerian language apart from their mother tongue.

The release enjoined applicants, parents and guardians to visit the University website for information on application procedure.

LAUTECH GOVERNING COUNCIL PLEDGES TO RESTORE PEACE
BY QUICKSILVER

The newly constituted Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has reportedly pledged to restore normalcy in the institution.

The Chairman of the council, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, made the pledge at an inaugural meeting held on Saturday at the institution’s main campus in  Ogbomoso, NAN reports.

The institution co-owned by Oyo and Osun States has been engulfed in crisis over issues bordering on irregular subvention and unpaid salaries.

The owner states had on July 25 inaugurated a new council for the institution led by Afolabi.



Other members are Lai Olurode, Olamide Adedokun, Abiodun Owonikoko, Isiaka Olagoke, Tise Adenipekun, and Bade Adesina.

The new council pledged its readiness to return the once best state university in the country to its glorious past.

Afolabi, at an interactive session held with workers’ unions, urged stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the upliftment of the institution.

He urged them to shun all divisive tendencies that had brought the institution to its present comatose stage.



Afolabi stated that the council had officially appointed Messrs KPMG to carry out the audit of the institution so that academic activities could commence in earnest.

Earlier, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, had called on the new council to do all within its power to ensure that normalcy returned to the institution.

The monarch, who received  the council members in his palace, also expressed confidence in the administrative capability of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin.

According to Oyewunmi, Gbadegesin is focused and committed to the welfare of workers and wellbeing of the university.

This weekend is going to be the most exciting and interesting weekend you have ever experienced in Ibadan as Footy Fanz|1207 in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Oyo State Football Association is organizing a Family event (Football | Fun| Entertainment | Food |Drinks | Grills| Lifestyle | Games| Health and Wellness) for two months at the Lead City International High School, Jericho, Ibadan. The event is scheduled to hold throughout all Saturdays and Sundays in August and September.



The aim of the event is to create a sustainable economic system whereby families connect with leading brands in Ibadan to have fun and socialize outside work environment in order to achieve business networking and trade interaction among management and staff of corporate brands in Ibadan.
Activities lined up:
• Business Networking
• Battle for bragging rights
• Prizes (money and other gifts)
• Raffle draws
• Half-time shows
• Dance/Music/Choreography/Comedy
• Quiz competitions
• Recreational games for children and adults
• Bouncing castles for children
• Food and Drinks Fair
• Trade Exhibitions
• Live Premiership Show
• Fitness/Aerobic Sessions
• Swimming
• Massage/Spa
• Tennis
• Make Up/Face Painting
• Medical Check-ups
• And a host of other facilities

The event will also incorporate the maiden Five Aside Football League which will include members of staff of corporate brands, families and high level government officials in Ibadan.
Date: Saturday 05 August, 2017
Time: 12pm prompt
Venue: Lead City International High School, Baale Akintayo Avenue, Jericho, Ibadan

Entry into this event is FREE. This event will afford you, the privilege of holding interactions with high level government officials, top executives of corporate brands, A-list entertainment personalities and mainstream media practitioners.

For Enquiries, please call:
Abimbola – 08028092118
Olusola – 08180990099
Adeoye – 08082622410

Ajimobi declares war against criminals
…re-inaugurates joint security outfit, security trust fund trustees

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday inaugurated the new Board of Trustees for the state's Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), even as he declared war on criminal elements in the state.

The board, headed by the Deputy Governor, Operations, of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Bayo Adelabu, was inaugurated at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, with a mandate to reinvigorate the security outfit.

The governor had also inaugurated the newly reconstituted state’s Joint Security Task Force, codenamed `Operation Burst,’ at Idi-Arere, which is considered one of the hot spots in the city of Ibadan, on Friday.

Members of the OYSSTF include the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan; a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Dr. Falil Ayo-Abina; Engr. Femi Odumagbo; and Mr. Vickram Goushani.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Femi Oyedipe, will serve as Executive Secretary of the board.

Ajimobi described the two occasions as a milestone in his administration’s efforts at stamping out all forms of brigandage and violent activities, which, he said, had earned the state the appellation of a garrison before the advent of his administration.

He said: "Before our administration came on board in 2011, Oyo State used to be known as a garrison, because of the violence, arson, brigandage and destruction of property being carried out by criminals.

"This led to the establishment of a Security Trust Fund and ‘Operation Burst' in 2013 which eventually brought peace back to the state. We were then able to stem the tide of armed robbery, gangsterism and other vices with this instrument of the law.

“We have now fortified the 'Operation Burst' with officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Special Response Squad of the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to renew the people's confidence in the capacity and capability of the outfit.”

While inaugurating the 20 new patrol vans donated to the state by the OYSSTF at Idi-Arere, the governor promised that other arms and ammunition required to fight crimes and criminal activities to a standstill would be made readily available to the security outfit.

He charged members of the board to apply the Trust Fund law recently amended by the state House of Assembly towards the sustenance of peace, saying the law had paved the way for private sector involvement.

The governor, who emphasized that security was a serious business that involved the participation of all and sundry as well as sustained funding, called for a robust data base and public-private partnership.

Ajimobi said that arrangements were being made for the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras in strategic areas and a base station where people could call in for emergencies as well as acquisition of aerial patrol helicopter.

He added, "We have come to knock on the doors of brigands to flush them out. We decided to choose this location (Idi-Arere) for this occasion because it is generally believed to be the hot spot of criminal activities in the city of Ibadan.

"With this development therefore, `One million Boys’ should be on the run! There is no more a safe haven for criminals and perpetuators of violence in our state."

In his remark, Adelabu said that a sustainable funding for security was imperative, adding that nothing meaningful could be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos.

He commended the Ajimobi administration for restoring sanity to the state after a long period of violence and brigandage preceding his emergence.

Adelabu pledged his members’ readiness to assist government in raising funds through voluntary donations by individuals, groups and corporate bodies.

He said: "The attainment of peace and tranquility is commendable. But, the greater challenge is its sustainability until it becomes our way of life and permanent identity in Oyo State.

"Security has no colour; it transcends party politics; it goes beyond religious affiliation; it does not recognize economic status; it is blind to ethnic affiliation and it ignores the age of victims.

“The uncommon strides of the present administration should, therefore, be commended for eradicating insecurity in Oyo State."

It will be recalled that the national bureau of statistics recently listed Oyo State alongside Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory as the most investor-friendly destinations in the country due to the sustained peace in the states.

The twin occasions were graced by eminent personalities, security chiefs, traditional rulers, captains of industry, members of the State Executive Council and members of the public.

Ibadan

Eminent Nigerians have continued to pay condolence visit the Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State over the death of his mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi this afternoon‎ visited the governor at the Government House, Osogbo.

He met the leaders of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Oyo launches rebranded Joint Patro Friday, inaugurates Security Trust Board





The Oyo State Government has disclosed that its re-branded joint patrol team, Operation Burst, will be re-launched on Friday to stem the menace of criminal activities in some areas of the state, noting that 20 vans will be distributed to the security outfit to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.



The Government also said that the reconstituted board of trustees of its security trust fund, Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), will be inaugurated on Friday.



The government also disclosed that its re-branded joint patrol team, Operation Burst, will be re-launched to stem the menace of criminal activities in some areas of the state, noting that 20 vans will be distributed to the security outfit to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.



The Executive Secretary of the OYSSTF, Mr. Femi Oyedipe said on Monday that the board to be inaugurated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Executive Chambers is headed by the Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu.



Oyedipe said other members of the board are Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Engr. Femi Odumabo, Dr Falil Abina, Chief Kola Daisi, Mr Vickram Gursahaney and Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the state Commissioner for Health.



He said that the Operation Burst, which comprises of all the security outfits in the State, is expected to complement the efforts of the police in curbing crimes, adding that the officers of the joint patrol team have been mandated to operate in line with the best practices and in accordance with tenets of their security outfits.



The OYSSTF scribe sated that there will be restriction of vehicular movements at the venue of the re-launch of operation, Idi Arere area of the state, explaining that Mapo to Idi Arere and Bode to Idi Arere will be blocked while those coming from Popoyemoja and Kudeti should find alternative routes between the hours of 8am and 1pm.



He said “We want to passionately appeal to the people State to bear with us as there will be no road at the venue of the re-launch at Idi Arere. The governor has directed that the programme should be held at the crisis prone area, hence our decision to pick Idi Arere. Roads around the area will be blocked and we enjoin our people to make use of the alternative routes.



“The rebranded operation burst will complement the efforts of other security outfits in the state to curb crime. Our foundation for development is peace and security and we are not ready to negate our responsibilities to protect lives and properties,” Oyedipe stressed.



--

'Toye Arulogun
Hon Commissioner,
Min.of Info., Culture & Tourism,
Oyo State Government

INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (Build, Operate And Transfer (BOT) Concept)
OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, NIGERIA
OYO STATE SPORTS COUNCIL, LEKAN SALAMI STADIUM COMPLEX,
P.M.B. 5106, ADAMASINGBA, IBADAN, NIGERIA.
(1) Application are hereby requested from reputable and interested Private Organisation(s) or Individual(s) with cognate experience and good track record for Expression of Interest in the Commercialization of some of the existing facilities at Lekan Salami Stadium Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
(2) PROJECT RATIONALE
The prevailing economic situations make it expedient to devise means of sourcing revenue from our under-utilized facilities. Therefore, the commercialization process is in line with State Government desire to develop a strategy to improve the IGR with a bid to service programmes and activities of Government in order to fulfill the Principles of Self Sustenance.
(3) NATURE AND COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECTS
Modernization and Commercialization of some of the Existing Facilities through Public/Private Partnership (PPP) or Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT). The projects and facilities involved are:
(a) Commercialization of Existing Car Parks:
The Council intends to partner with would be-investor to commercialize the Car Parks at Gates 1,2 3 and 5 which can conveniently accommodate at least three hundred (300) vehicles at a time.
(b) Reconstruction and Modernization of Stadium’s Shop Arena:
The present structures on-the-spot popularly known as Mummy Market, numbering fifty-two (52) Shops were haphazardly constructed by individual occupiers. The place requires modification and reconstruction to align with the modern trend. Hence, the need to partner with would-be-investor is expected to submit a Structural Design along with other documents listed on paragraph (5c)
(c) Commercialization of Stadium Amphi-Theater
Stadium Amphi-Theatre has a sitting capacity of 1000 people at a time with adjourning meeting facility beneath the Main Arena which has a capacity for 150 people and two rooms for office capacity. The facility is presently in a State of disused. The facility is expected to be given out on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) Concept.
(d) Branding and Endorsement of Squash Hall. Indoor Games Hall. Bill Boards, Pitch Panels:
The Council is considering engaging a reputable Organization/Individual for the turning around and development via Branding and Endorsement of Squash Hall, Games Hall, Bill Boards. Pitch-Panels and Lekan Salami Statue.
(e) Construction and Management of Public Toilet
The Council wishes to state that there is no provision of any Public Restroom or Bathroom within the Stadium premises. The Council, therefore, intends to engage Private Organisation individual on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) concept for the construction and management of a befitting and modem Restroom & Bathroom. Interested investor is expected to submit a Structural Design of the proposed toilet along with other documents listed in paragraph (5c)
(f) Reconstruction and Management of a waveless, 10 Lanes, 50 x 25 meters Olympic Standard Swimming Pool on (BOT) Concept.
(g) Lease of Lekan Salami Amusement Park.
(4) PROJECT FINANCING
The projects are expected to be financed by would-be-investors
(5) METHOD OF APPLICATION
(a) Interested Private Enterprise(s) or Individual(s) are expected to obtain Expression of Interest Form at the Office of Director (Admin & Supplies) Oyo State Sports Council, Lekan Salami Stadium Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, after the payment of Non-Refundable Fees of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N 100,000.00) only for Expression of Interest Fee to Wema Bank, Plc, Code No. 4040/122 and Twenty Five Thousand Naira (N25, 000.00) only. Bank Draft in the name of Oyo State Sports Council as Processing Fee.
(b) The completed Expression of Interest Form must be submitted in triplicate within four (4) weeks of this advertisement i.e. Monday 31st July. 2017 to Friday 25th August, 2017 to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Secretariat. Ibadan.
(b) All completed Expression of Interest Form should be accompanied with the following documents:
(i) Evidence of Company Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission
(ii) Evidence of Registration of Business Premises of the company with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Cooperative and Investment
(iii) Evidence of Registration with the Oyo State Bureau of Public Procurement
(iv) Evidence of similar projects successfully executed by the Company
(v) Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years
(vi) Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company
(vii) Evidence of Technical & Managerial Capability
(viii) Companies Audited Account for the last three (3) years
(ix) Evidence of payment for Pre-qualification fee of N 100,000.00 already paid to any State Government designated revenue Bank, Code No. 4040/12.
(x) Evidence of payment of Expression of Interest Form and processing fee of twenty-five Thousand Naira (N25, 000.00) only, Bank Draft in the name of Oyo State Sports Council
(xi) Evidence of payment of Government Development Levy
(6) PLEASE NOTE:
(i) The Council is neither committed nor obliged to shortlist any Private Firm/Individual or award any of the project to any Firm.
(ii) The Council reserves the right to reject any or all Expression of Interest Forms and other documents packages.
(iii) The Council will only recognized and correspond with authorized officers of the interested Firm/Individual and not through any agent acting on their behalf.
(iv) This application for Invitation for Expression of Interest shall neither be considered as a commitment on the part of the Oyo State Sports Council nor entitle any Firm/Individual to make any claim whatsoever, and, or seek any indemnity for the Oyo State Sports Council.
(v) Representatives of all the Companies should avail themselves for the consideration of their documents on Thursday 7th September. 2017 at the office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports. Secretariat. Ibadan.
(vi) Late submission of Expression of Interest Form will not be entertained.
(vii) Further clarification can be obtained from the Director (Admin & Supplies), Oyo State Sports Council, Lekan Salami Stadium Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
N.B: All Completed Expression Of Interest Form Are To Be Submitted To The Office Of The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry Of Youth And Sports, Secretariat, Ibadan.

GOVERNANCE - This might look mundane, but, really, it is NOT. When a government is concerned and devotes time to talk about things that affect the governed in the real sense of it, then, that's true governance.

Do you know, that: (i) Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need.
(ii) WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is six months old.
(iii) 823,000 child and 20,000 maternal deaths could be averted each year through universal breastfeeding
(iv) Delayed breastfeeding, even only 24 hours after birth, increases the child’s risk of dying within the first 28 days of life by 80 percent, according to the WHO.
(v) Research has found a clear connection between breastfeeding and higher IQ scores and educational achievement
(vi) Breastfeeding produces long-term health benefits for both the mother and the child.

Well, the Oyo state government is devoting 3 days of the 2017 World Breastfeeding week to sensitize and resensitize our mothers and intending mothers on the importance of raising a set of healthy, smart, and protected young citizens, with the facts like these stated above.

Date(s): Oni and Sons hospital - Wednesday 2nd of August, 2017;
Adeoyo hospital, Yemetu - Friday 4th of August 2017;
Atiba and Oyo West - Monday 7th of August, 2017.

Kindly share.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseHealthcare

Oyo targets more than 50 percent exclusive Breastfeeding rate for children 0-6 months


The Oyo state government has expressed its commitment to achieve more than 50% exclusive Breastfeeding by nursing mothers by the end of year 2017, saying that series of sensitization activities will be done to commemorate the 2017 World Breastfeeding week in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan said the 50%, which is in line with the provision of the National Strategic plan on Nutrition, will be achieved base on the concerted efforts by the Oyo State Government to sensitise Nursing mothers on the importance of Breastfeeding.

According to him “a sensitization programme to enlighten Nursing Mothers on the benefits of Breastfeeding will hold at the Oni and Sons hospital on Wednesday 2nd of August, 2017, Adeoyo hospital Yemetu on Friday 4th of August 2017 while the sensitization train will move to Atiba and Oyo West on Monday 7th of August, 2017.

Dr Azeez Adeduntan stated these at the weekend in Ibadan while speaking on the forthcoming 2017 World Breastfeeding week, a global celebration to promote children from ages 0-6 months to be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, regretting that number of pregnant women lost their babies ignorantly through the use of unapproved herbal concoction. Predominantly giving their children Water

He explained that the exclusive Breastfeeding in the first six months of life and the introduction of complementary diet till the first two years of life, play a vital role in the development of a child adding “Breast milk is a complete diet given to women by God and any baby that feeds on it will not likely get sick.

The Commissioner noted that less than 30 percent of the Mothers in the State engaged in the exclusive Breastfeeding while over 70 per cent do not practice exclusive Breast feeding for their new born babies in the first six months of life.

He however advised Mothers in the state to embrace the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, saying that this will serve as a defense for babies against any diseases and such child will be mentally sound and grow well.

--

'Toye Arulogun
Hon Commissioner,
Min.of Info., Culture & Tourism,
Oyo State Government

Am sure u don't listen to news and u must be so myopic to lots of the achievements

Oyo State Government has said that the reconstituted board of trustees of its security trust fund, Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), will be inaugurated on Friday.

The government also disclosed that its re-branded joint patrol team, Operation Burst, will be re-launched to stem the menace of criminal activities in some areas of the state, noting that 20 vans will be distributed to the security outfit to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.

The Executive Secretary of the OYSSTF, Mr. Femi Oyedipe in a statememt made available to Insideoyo.com on Monday said that the board is to be inaugurated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Executive Chambers is headed by the Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu.

Oyedipe said other members of the board are Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Engr. Femi Odumabo, Dr Falil Abina, Chief Kola Daisi, Mr Vickram Gursahaney and Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the state Commissioner for Health.

He said that the Operation Burst, which comprises of all the security outfits in the State, is expected to complement the efforts of the police in curbing crimes, adding that the officers of the joint patrol team have been mandated to operate in line with the best practices and in accordance with tenets of their security outfits.

The OYSSTF scribe sated that there will be restriction of vehicular movements at the venue of the re-launch of operation, Idi Arere area of the state, explaining that Mapo to Idi Arere and Bode to Idi Arere will be blocked while those coming from Popoyemoja and Kudeti should find alternative routes between the hours of 8am and 1pm.

He said “We want to passionately appeal to the people State to bear with us as there will be no road at the venue of the re-launch at Idi Arere.

The governor has directed that the programme should be held at the crisis prone area, hence our decision to pick Idi Arere. Roads around the area will be blocked and we enjoin our people to make use of the alternative routes.

“The rebranded operation burst will complement the efforts of other security outfits in the state to curb crime. Our foundation for development is peace and security and we are not ready to negate our responsibilities to protect lives and properties,” Oyedipe stressed.

There is no doubting the fact that an average citizen of Oyo State is politically sophisticated, highly intelligent and sagacious. They don’t suffer fools gladly and they call a spade by its name without minding whose ox is gored. All these attributes have always come to play during political discourse and whenever the need to make informed political decisions arises. It could, therefore, be safely concluded that their resolve to give Governor Abiola Ajimobi an unprecedented second term in office in 2015, through their overwhelming votes, was not a blunder.

Rather, it was a reward for his monumental achievements in the areas of peace and security, road construction, education, health, agriculture, physical and social infrastructure, among others, during his first term. This feat has equally received applause from far and wide.

For instance, a respected Ibadan elder and former envoy, Ambassador Olu Sanu, had, while acknowledging the governor’s exemplary performance, once said: “we are indeed very lucky to have Sen. Ajimobi as the governor of Oyo State. He came around at a time that Oyo State needed a leader who would not be insular in his thinking; a leader who would harness all our resources for the development of our state and one who would create an enabling environment for people to achieve the best they could.’’

A former Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Oyo State, Apostle Sunday Popoola, had also, in a letter to the governor entitled “A Word of Encouragement’’ saluted what he called Ajimobi’s courage, vision and determination.

The cleric had said further, “Ibadan had been a huge slum and a disgraceful sight to behold in the state called the Pacesetter. Now, the change we need is ongoing. I also appreciate the speed at which the work is being done. It takes guts to leave the ruts.

I am so delighted that we have found in you a leader with guts to get us out of the ruts we have found ourselves in the land.” In spite of these accolades, the governor had not rested on his laurels. Rather, he has sustained the tempo of development in all sectors, including industrialization, even in the face of dwindling resources.

But, to the uninformed, and those who have allowed political affiliations to becloud their sense of judgment, Ajimobi has got it all wrong. One of their reasons, which are jejune in all intent and purposes, is that Ajimobi has challenged the stat us quo by insisting that things should be done differently.

In their reckoning, the governor has committed many ‘sins’ and should be crucified. They care less if the paradigm shift has changed the typeface of Oyo State for the better and thus resulted in the tremendous growth and development of the state; a state that had earlier been held by the jugular by some reactionary elements.

Upon his election in 2011, Ajimobi met an Ibadan with the renown of one of the dirtiest cities in Nigeria, a development, he said, was unacceptable. As part of his administration’s comprehensive urban renewal policy aimed at changing the face of not only Ibadan, the state capital, but also other major towns and cities in the state, a ban was placed on street trading. An ultra-modern market was built by the state government at Scout Camp, Molete, Ibadan, as an alternative for the displaced traders, while the stalls were allocated to them free.

The governor also mandated the 11 local governments in Ibadanland to build neighbourhood markets in their respective council areas to ease trading. Aside helping in restoring sanity and improving the aesthetics of the city, the policy has most importantly saved the lives of the traders who hitherto had the unfortunate history of being overrun by vehicles while plying their trade by the roadside. Interestingly, this has become one of Ajimobi’s undoing as political jobbers have arm-twisted his good gesture to turn the gullible traders against him.

One of the many sins of the governor is also the staff verification that was conducted in all ministries, departments and agencies across the state with a view to eliminating fraud, errors in the payment of salaries and pensions, as well as determining ghost workers.

But the governor was vindicated with the mindboggling discovery of several cases of multiple salary payments into single accounts or to single names in other instances, as well as revelation of employees who have passed retirement age still drawing salaries.

Among other infractions was the discovery of invalid BVN, invalid bank accounts and name details, as well as employees with mismatched names, totalling 16,532, out of the 100,259 workers verified. While some with valid proofs have so far been cleared and re-absorbed into the payroll, available records show that several others have either voluntarily exited or have been eased out of civil service, thus reducing the state’s huge monthly wage bill. Also, when the automatic promotion policy in public secondary schools was abolished in 2016 and the students who failed some compulsory subjects were refused promotion, hell was almost let loose.

Critics went to town, calling Ajimobi all sorts of names for daring to stop the policy, which had unfortunately resulted in poor outings in public examinations by the students. Interestingly, the policy paid off, with the state coming second in the 2016 National Examination Council (NECO) examination among the 36 states in the country.

Part of the moves by government to address the infrastructural decay in stateowned secondary schools was the introduction of School Government Board (SGB) to serve as a masterstroke for education revival in the state. With membership drawn from the alumni associations, parents, community leaders, among others, the boards were constituted by the governor in all the 628 public secondary schools for all-inclusive management of the schools. Although critics have been unrelenting in their failed attempt at shooting down the policy, instances abound that it has started yielding result.

For instance, the old students of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, recently donated a block of classrooms constructed at a cost of N18 million for their alma mater. Similarly, Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, also got a block of toilets worth N11 million from its old boys. A private firm, BOVAS and Company Limited, has just handed over a block of six classrooms with the capacity of accommodating 300 students, valued at N16 million, to Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.

This is aside the 70,000 books covering different subjects, donated by a US-based non-governmental organization, Jewel of Africa, to the state government. Governor Ajimobi has also erred over his foreign trips which, in the estimation of his sworn critics, were mere jamborees; and the ultimate aim of which was to fleece the state government of its scarce resources in their narrow reasoning.

Whereas, those trips, particularly to China, had, at the last count, attracted no fewer than 36 new companies to the state, with close to 4,000 direct employment, according to the statistics obtained from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

A further dividend of these trips was the rating of Oyo as the fifth most investment friendly state by the National Bureau of Statistics, with the governor adjudged to have attracted more than $61m (N22.4 billion) foreign direct investment to the state in the last six years.

The establishment of the Polaris-Pacesetter free trade zone and an industrial park along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the fact that seven firms, among the 157 expected to berth in the zone, are scheduled for inauguration by the end of the year is a testament that the China shuttles have been of immense benefit to the state.

Inexplicably, the ongoing review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which is aimed at modernizing the process of ascension to the Olubadan throne and ultimately lift the status of Ibadan as a modern city, has also pitted Ajimobi against those masquerading as the custodians of the tradition.

The antagonists are unfazed by the argument that the review would give room for the emergence of more beaded crowns in the ancient city, who would be answerable to the Olubadan as the imperial majesty. While the critics are busy spreading falsehood and setting the revered Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and indeed, a section of the public against the governor, prominent Ibadan indigenes, including members of the Olubadan-in-Council have asked Ajimobi to forge ahead with the exercise. Only recently, the immediate past President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Wole Akinwande, said in an interview that there was nothing bad in the review as long as it was aimed at further enhancing the status of the Olubadan and, by extension, the ancient city.

The wide acceptance of the exercise was also manifest at the public sitting of the Justice Akintunde Boade-led commission of inquiry on the review, where 91, out of a total 118 memorandum submitted, were said to be in support. On June 16, 2017, Ajimobi flagged off the construction of the 32km first phase of 110km Ibadan Circular Road to boost the socio-economic development and transportation system in Oyo State. The project was conceived in 2002 by the Alhaji Lam Adesina-led administration but had suffered neglect and abandonment under successive administrations. It is estimated to cost N70 billion and will be financed through a facility sourced from the Nexim Bank of China by the contractor, the ENL Consortium, on a `build, operate and transfer’ arrangement with the state government.

No sooner had the project been flagged off than those professing to be the ‘dreamer’ of the project took to town to condemn Ajimobi, the ‘actualizer’ of our generation, for daring to resuscitate the project. Explanations that the project would enlist Oyo among the elite states with modern road network; that it would ease the congestion within the city; and ultimately incentivize investors fell on deaf ears. Ajimobi’s other ‘wrongs’ are his knack for merit, orderliness, due process, doing things right and doing the right things; cleanliness, his bold and confident posturing, and public acknowledgment of his wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi, as the cornerstone of his political odyssey.

As a former Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr. Kunle Olajide, would say, “Nigerians are usually very quick to criticize leadership when things go wrong but often, they never commend government when they perform.” While waiting for their commendations would be tantamount to waiting for Godot, the opposition should at least acknowledge the giant strides of Ajimobi.

Ajanaku koja mo ri n kan firi, t’aba r’erin ka so pe a r’erin (only the visually impaired will deny the commanding presence of an elephant). Posterity, no doubt, will vindicate Ajimobi as the game changer of the modern Oyo State.

There is no doubting the fact that an average citizen of Oyo State is politically sophisticated, highly intelligent and sagacious. They don’t suffer fools gladly and they call a spade by its name without minding whose ox is gored. All these attributes have always come to play during political discourse and whenever the need to make informed political decisions arises. It could, therefore, be safely concluded that their resolve to give Governor Abiola Ajimobi an unprecedented second term in office in 2015, through their overwhelming votes, was not a blunder.

Rather, it was a reward for his monumental achievements in the areas of peace and security, road construction, education, health, agriculture, physical and social infrastructure, among others, during his first term. This feat has equally received applause from far and wide.

For instance, a respected Ibadan elder and former envoy, Ambassador Olu Sanu, had, while acknowledging the governor’s exemplary performance, once said: “we are indeed very lucky to have Sen. Ajimobi as the governor of Oyo State. He came around at a time that Oyo State needed a leader who would not be insular in his thinking; a leader who would harness all our resources for the development of our state and one who would create an enabling environment for people to achieve the best they could.’’

A former Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Oyo State, Apostle Sunday Popoola, had also, in a letter to the governor entitled “A Word of Encouragement’’ saluted what he called Ajimobi’s courage, vision and determination.

The cleric had said further, “Ibadan had been a huge slum and a disgraceful sight to behold in the state called the Pacesetter. Now, the change we need is ongoing. I also appreciate the speed at which the work is being done. It takes guts to leave the ruts.

I am so delighted that we have found in you a leader with guts to get us out of the ruts we have found ourselves in the land.” In spite of these accolades, the governor had not rested on his laurels. Rather, he has sustained the tempo of development in all sectors, including industrialization, even in the face of dwindling resources.

But, to the uninformed, and those who have allowed political affiliations to becloud their sense of judgment, Ajimobi has got it all wrong. One of their reasons, which are jejune in all intent and purposes, is that Ajimobi has challenged the stat us quo by insisting that things should be done differently.

In their reckoning, the governor has committed many ‘sins’ and should be crucified. They care less if the paradigm shift has changed the typeface of Oyo State for the better and thus resulted in the tremendous growth and development of the state; a state that had earlier been held by the jugular by some reactionary elements.

Upon his election in 2011, Ajimobi met an Ibadan with the renown of one of the dirtiest cities in Nigeria, a development, he said, was unacceptable. As part of his administration’s comprehensive urban renewal policy aimed at changing the face of not only Ibadan, the state capital, but also other major towns and cities in the state, a ban was placed on street trading. An ultra-modern market was built by the state government at Scout Camp, Molete, Ibadan, as an alternative for the displaced traders, while the stalls were allocated to them free.

The governor also mandated the 11 local governments in Ibadanland to build neighbourhood markets in their respective council areas to ease trading. Aside helping in restoring sanity and improving the aesthetics of the city, the policy has most importantly saved the lives of the traders who hitherto had the unfortunate history of being overrun by vehicles while plying their trade by the roadside. Interestingly, this has become one of Ajimobi’s undoing as political jobbers have arm-twisted his good gesture to turn the gullible traders against him.

One of the many sins of the governor is also the staff verification that was conducted in all ministries, departments and agencies across the state with a view to eliminating fraud, errors in the payment of salaries and pensions, as well as determining ghost workers.

But the governor was vindicated with the mindboggling discovery of several cases of multiple salary payments into single accounts or to single names in other instances, as well as revelation of employees who have passed retirement age still drawing salaries.

Among other infractions was the discovery of invalid BVN, invalid bank accounts and name details, as well as employees with mismatched names, totalling 16,532, out of the 100,259 workers verified. While some with valid proofs have so far been cleared and re-absorbed into the payroll, available records show that several others have either voluntarily exited or have been eased out of civil service, thus reducing the state’s huge monthly wage bill. Also, when the automatic promotion policy in public secondary schools was abolished in 2016 and the students who failed some compulsory subjects were refused promotion, hell was almost let loose.

Critics went to town, calling Ajimobi all sorts of names for daring to stop the policy, which had unfortunately resulted in poor outings in public examinations by the students. Interestingly, the policy paid off, with the state coming second in the 2016 National Examination Council (NECO) examination among the 36 states in the country.

Part of the moves by government to address the infrastructural decay in stateowned secondary schools was the introduction of School Government Board (SGB) to serve as a masterstroke for education revival in the state. With membership drawn from the alumni associations, parents, community leaders, among others, the boards were constituted by the governor in all the 628 public secondary schools for all-inclusive management of the schools. Although critics have been unrelenting in their failed attempt at shooting down the policy, instances abound that it has started yielding result.

For instance, the old students of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, recently donated a block of classrooms constructed at a cost of N18 million for their alma mater. Similarly, Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, also got a block of toilets worth N11 million from its old boys. A private firm, BOVAS and Company Limited, has just handed over a block of six classrooms with the capacity of accommodating 300 students, valued at N16 million, to Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.

This is aside the 70,000 books covering different subjects, donated by a US-based non-governmental organization, Jewel of Africa, to the state government. Governor Ajimobi has also erred over his foreign trips which, in the estimation of his sworn critics, were mere jamborees; and the ultimate aim of which was to fleece the state government of its scarce resources in their narrow reasoning.

Whereas, those trips, particularly to China, had, at the last count, attracted no fewer than 36 new companies to the state, with close to 4,000 direct employment, according to the statistics obtained from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

A further dividend of these trips was the rating of Oyo as the fifth most investment friendly state by the National Bureau of Statistics, with the governor adjudged to have attracted more than $61m (N22.4 billion) foreign direct investment to the state in the last six years.

The establishment of the Polaris-Pacesetter free trade zone and an industrial park along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the fact that seven firms, among the 157 expected to berth in the zone, are scheduled for inauguration by the end of the year is a testament that the China shuttles have been of immense benefit to the state.

Inexplicably, the ongoing review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which is aimed at modernizing the process of ascension to the Olubadan throne and ultimately lift the status of Ibadan as a modern city, has also pitted Ajimobi against those masquerading as the custodians of the tradition.

The antagonists are unfazed by the argument that the review would give room for the emergence of more beaded crowns in the ancient city, who would be answerable to the Olubadan as the imperial majesty. While the critics are busy spreading falsehood and setting the revered Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and indeed, a section of the public against the governor, prominent Ibadan indigenes, including members of the Olubadan-in-Council have asked Ajimobi to forge ahead with the exercise. Only recently, the immediate past President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Wole Akinwande, said in an interview that there was nothing bad in the review as long as it was aimed at further enhancing the status of the Olubadan and, by extension, the ancient city.

The wide acceptance of the exercise was also manifest at the public sitting of the Justice Akintunde Boade-led commission of inquiry on the review, where 91, out of a total 118 memorandum submitted, were said to be in support. On June 16, 2017, Ajimobi flagged off the construction of the 32km first phase of 110km Ibadan Circular Road to boost the socio-economic development and transportation system in Oyo State. The project was conceived in 2002 by the Alhaji Lam Adesina-led administration but had suffered neglect and abandonment under successive administrations. It is estimated to cost N70 billion and will be financed through a facility sourced from the Nexim Bank of China by the contractor, the ENL Consortium, on a `build, operate and transfer’ arrangement with the state government.

No sooner had the project been flagged off than those professing to be the ‘dreamer’ of the project took to town to condemn Ajimobi, the ‘actualizer’ of our generation, for daring to resuscitate the project. Explanations that the project would enlist Oyo among the elite states with modern road network; that it would ease the congestion within the city; and ultimately incentivize investors fell on deaf ears. Ajimobi’s other ‘wrongs’ are his knack for merit, orderliness, due process, doing things right and doing the right things; cleanliness, his bold and confident posturing, and public acknowledgment of his wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi, as the cornerstone of his political odyssey.

As a former Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr. Kunle Olajide, would say, “Nigerians are usually very quick to criticize leadership when things go wrong but often, they never commend government when they perform.” While waiting for their commendations would be tantamount to waiting for Godot, the opposition should at least acknowledge the giant strides of Ajimobi.

Ajanaku koja mo ri n kan firi, t’aba r’erin ka so pe a r’erin (only the visually impaired will deny the commanding presence of an elephant). Posterity, no doubt, will vindicate Ajimobi as the game changer of the modern Oyo State.

The Hack Oyo team in collaboration with The Office Of The Special Adviser ICT, held a Hackathon on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th of July 2017, to develop disruptive innovations that can effect lasting socioeconomic interventions in Oyo state.

Presentations on key arrears were made by a handful of budding hackapreneurs to a panel of judges comprised of representatives from both the public and private sector, and the academia.

The first day of the event witnessed a quite engaging opening remark by the Hon. Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi. His savvy about technology was very obvious as he spoke, to the surprise of the hackers present. Mr. Adekanmbi gave an insight into how their creativity could effect smarter Oyocentric solutions, and he challenged them to create such disruptions, while also looking beyond what the private and public sector can offer. He then assured them that good ideas would surely get scaled and funded, adding that he would leverage on his position to ensure that financing wouldn't be an issue.

The second day built on the tempo as all hands were on deck as the hackers held sway to pitch their solutions. Mentors across tech sectors in the country came in to provide some valuable insight to further sharpen their approach to solutions. Among them is the Co-founder of music.com.ng, Mr Damola Taiwo, also in the room was CEO of the first Agro-Allied infotech company in Oyo state, Mr. Okediji Ayo, and also Professor R.A Raji, Dean Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan and a host of others.

Chief among the mentors was the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Mr Niyi Ajao, whose presense charged up the room, especially as he talked practical examples on how technology has been infused into Oyo happenings from a government perspective.

Mr. Ajao spoke extensively on technical issues bothering on delivering scalable solutions taking into consideration Nigeria's internet penetration rates and the growing adoption of technologies such as USSD. He challenged participants to consider nations like Ireland that have successfully utilized technology to transform its economy and create knowledge jobs and opportunities. He further reiterated the need for Oyo state techies to leverage on the state governments 'Digital Economy' drive to reposition the economy of the state. The SA led discussions on the importance of the Technology Incubation Center, Technology Towers, E-governance initiative and the ongoing rollout of the state's safe city initiative with Huawei and the endless IOT opportunities for the developer community.

Solutions pitched include an iPoultry portal which intends to provide web extension services to livestock business in Oyo state. Another solution leveraged waste management and proposed conversion into thermal sources of energy using digesters. Oyo Villa is a web based real estate and propriety management solution while e-GRight is an advocacy app addressing issues of girl child abuses and access to education.

To wrap up the quite eventful 2-day meet, the panel adjudged that all the ideas should be allowed incubation for at least 2 months, after which the participants will to be re-invited for a product demo.

The Hack Oyo team in collaboration with The Office Of The Special Adviser ICT, held a Hackathon on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th of July 2017, to develop disruptive innovations that can effect lasting socioeconomic interventions in Oyo state.

Presentations on key arrears were made by a handful of budding hackapreneurs to a panel of judges comprised of representatives from both the public and private sector, and the academia.

The first day of the event witnessed a quite engaging opening remark by the Hon. Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi. His savvy about technology was very obvious as he spoke, to the surprise of the hackers present. Mr. Adekanmbi gave an insight into how their creativity could effect smarter Oyocentric solutions, and he challenged them to create such disruptions, while also looking beyond what the private and public sector can offer. He then assured them that good ideas would surely get scaled and funded, adding that he would leverage on his position to ensure that financing wouldn't be an issue.

The second day built on the tempo as all hands were on deck as the hackers held sway to pitch their solutions. Mentors across tech sectors in the country came in to provide some valuable insight to further sharpen their approach to solutions. Among them is the Co-founder of music.com.ng, Mr Damola Taiwo, also in the room was CEO of the first Agro-Allied infotech company in Oyo state, Mr. Okediji Ayo, and also Professor R.A Raji, Dean Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan and a host of others.

Chief among the mentors was the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Mr Niyi Ajao, whose presense charged up the room, especially as he talked practical examples on how technology has been infused into Oyo happenings from a government perspective.

Mr. Ajao spoke extensively on technical issues bothering on delivering scalable solutions taking into consideration Nigeria's internet penetration rates and the growing adoption of technologies such as USSD. He challenged participants to consider nations like Ireland that have successfully utilized technology to transform its economy and create knowledge jobs and opportunities. He further reiterated the need for Oyo state techies to leverage on the state governments 'Digital Economy' drive to reposition the economy of the state. The SA led discussions on the importance of the Technology Incubation Center, Technology Towers, E-governance initiative and the ongoing rollout of the state's safe city initiative with Huawei and the endless IOT opportunities for the developer community.

Solutions pitched include an iPoultry portal which intends to provide web extension services to livestock business in Oyo state. Another solution leveraged waste management and proposed conversion into thermal sources of energy using digesters. Oyo Villa is a web based real estate and propriety management solution while e-GRight is an advocacy app addressing issues of girl child abuses and access to education.

To wrap up the quite eventful 2-day meet, the panel adjudged that all the ideas should be allowed incubation for at least 2 months, after which the participants will to be re-invited for a product demo.

For a while now, the Ajimobi government has devoted 100% of the Federal allocation to offset salaries, pensions and gratuities. Now, more than the FG's suggested 50%, Governor Ajimobi has approved the use of 72% of the latest Paris Club refund to pay 2 months of workers salaries; thus making it the 4th time Oyo workers would be receiving 2 months of pay at once in recent times.

It is clear that the Ajimobi government is determined to lead the people way past the biting effects of recession through this very prominent and practical WELFARIST policy.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseWelfare

Teachers in Oyo State whose students record over 50 percent credit pass in Senior School Certificate Examinations are to benefit from a financial reward pool of N22 million.


Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Education, Science and Technology, Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi, disclosed this during a capacity training for teachers and principals on implementing the Oyo Model Education Systems Intervention (OYOMESI) templates in the state’s schools.

According to Akin-Alabi, the reward package was to spur teachers’ capacity to deliver the curriculum in outstanding form and push up the state’s ranking from the 26th position recorded in the 2016 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

“As part of the third strand of OYOMESI which is improving teachers’ competencies and providing incentives, every teacher taking WAEC class whose pupils have 50 percent credit pass rate is eligible to get from the reward package of N22 million made available by the state government,” Akin-Alabi said.

Also aimed at ending deterioration in the state’s education sector, she listed quality assurance measures to be checked as students’ behaviour management, class control, lesson planning and preparation and effectiveness in day to day running of schools.

She also noted the huge stake of principals and the Schools Governing Boards in improving teaching and learning in schools.

This is just as she chided as unprofessional teachers who boycott classes and acts of brigandage exhibited by some students of the state to advance their demands.

Furthermore, Akin-Alabi spoke of ensuring school safety by involving parents, students and teachers in curbing sexual harassment, bullying and vandalism in schools.

"I remember when I first saw my name on the white paper pasted on the dirty wall at the back of the lecture room that was right across the kitchen. I managed to squeeze through the sticky bodies that were covered in sweat from the rush to see whose names were there and whose weren’t. I gasped in relief at sighting my name, spread across the then almost thinned-out paper that bore details of my next step in life; but right beside it was “OYO” typed in bold letters. My heart skipped as I thought, “Oyo? My state of re-deployment??” My mind screeched "YEKPA!" in uppercase and in unbelief, even though my mouth couldn't mutter it.

Rooted in shock, I dialed my mother’s number immediately as I forced my way out of that sea of sweat. But even more shockingly, I couldn’t understand why she was excited for me after hearing the news, when I clearly wasn’t. It pleased her that Oyo State was close to home, Lagos. Still, I begged her to arrange for my re-deployment again to Abuja, but she refused.

I dreaded the thought of going to serve there. I mused, "that Yoruba Land?? I would just be lost!" It took me days before I finally agreed to get on a bus to Oyo State, but as I alighted from the white and green cab that took me to the place called “Iwo Road”, I started to think differently as I looked out across the road in awe.

This clearly was not what I expected.

All the way from there to the NYSC Secretariat, I had imagined the roads to be a lot worse than what I saw, but they werent, even while they were obviously under construction for expansion, as the cab-man intoned too. Also, the people I met were far friendlier than I could ever have thought they would be. They praised me, gleefully yelling "kopa kopa fine kopa!!ò! [fine corper], almost at every turn. Right there in the cab, an elderly man even offered to pay my fare.

I was short for words.

What then further seized my attention as I sought my way to where I would lay my head for the rest of the service year, was that Ologuneru road. I had loved the smooth drive on the roads that led to this one, but unlike these other roads, my white was bathed with dust from Ologuneru road. I remembered laughing at the bike men I saw parked at Eleyele roundabout, who were donned in red dust from head to toe, not knowing my portion was waiting patiently to welcome me with its broad, open arms.

But, I didn't get mad, rather, I got surprised, and really impressed that the road in this very far place away from the city center was being taken care of, with laborers seen working tirelessly to build that kind of inner road that no one would bother really touching in some other cities I have lived in. I was impressed by the desire I saw, ethics of cityhood, written on the faces of these labourers and the government that aids them.

Now, as I dress up and bake my face daily in preparation for my registration and service, nobody need warn me to take a scarf to cover myself; else, the dust would give me another makeover that can almost change my hair color.

All these and some more, have changed my mindset completely about Oyo State, for I saw firsthand, the commitment the government and the people show to make the state stand out and have a lasting impression on a visitor or non-indigent Corps member like myself.

It's been 4 weeks and half, and I now look forward to going out more, not because of the dust’s embrace and makeover, but so I could see more variants of this beautiful state.

Ibadan is a place I’m growing to love, I’m sure I have the government and the people to thank for it"