₦airaland Forum

This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, the State Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has approved the appointment of fresh graduates of Law into the post of State Counsel, Grade Level 09 in the Oyo State Civil Service.

In this regard, candidates with Bachelor Degree in Law i.e. LL.B with B.L. (including NYSC Discharged Certificate) who had taken and submitted appointment forms into the Civil Service of Oyo State, are hereby, invited to update their record at the Civil Service Commission; while those who are yet to obtain appointment forms are also requested to do so between Wednesday, 11th – Wednesday, 25th October, 2017.

All candidates shall participate in a Written Test that would be conducted by this Commission at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre (SASDC), Secretariat, Ibadan.   Successful candidates in the Written Test shall be invited for an interview at Civil Service Commission Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan at dates that would be announced later.

Further clarifications can be made from Room 49, Civil Service Commission Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.  Interested candidates are therefore, expected to show up within the specified dates.
J.O. Oladele, mni,

Chairman,

Civil Service Commission

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will host Southwest leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday (today).

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, on Wednesday, said that the meeting would hold at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office.

Those being expected at the forum are the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure, governors, ex-governors, ministers, National Assembly members and party leaders across the zone.

The statement added that Thursday’s exclusive stakeholders’ meeting was a follow-up to the earlier one, which was also hosted by Ajimobi, in Ibadan.

It reads, “Sequel to wide consultations with the APC leadership in the Southwest, the Governor is inviting stakeholders to a follow-up parley to discuss compelling issues and developments in the collective interest of the Southwest region.

“The meeting will also assess the success so far recorded on the regional economic integration initiative as well as other issues of common interest.”

The statement added that participants were poised to experience warm reception and the hospitality of the government and the good people of Oyo State.

 

Communication Team

Governor’s Office

Ibadan

Oyo Govt condemns fraudulent tax collection, clarifies presumptive taxes

 


The Oyo State Government has cautioned the general public not to accept Local Government Poll Tax Receipts (LGPTR) in place of Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) and Oyo State Government e-Receipt certified by the Station manager of the nearest Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).


The government described the LGPTR receipt as illegal for TTC and has equally vowed to deal with any state or local government official that is caught defrauding the unsuspecting public in the name of collecting Tax payment as a prerequisite for registration of new students and subsequently issued receipt not up to the amount collected.


The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela disclosed that the government had received so many complaints on the activities of some individuals who are issuing illegal receipts in place of the presumptive taxes for new intakes introduced by the state government prior to the beginning of 2017 academic session.


Olowofela explained that the state government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in collaboration with the Board of Internal Revenue agreed that the introduced informal sector tax of N3000 should be a pre-requisite for registration of new students into secondary schools (private and public).


The Commissioner noted that the payment of the presumptive taxes are applicable to new intakes alone, stressing that returning students are only expected to present the TTC of their parents .


He stated that the government had a subsisting agreement with members of the informal sector on the payment of three thousand naira annual tax  for which they are expected to have evidence of payment, adding that members of the formal sector are expected to have the evidence of the payment of their taxes.   


Professor Olowofela stated that principals have been warned not to collect fees from incoming students other than the approved levies of One thousand, two hundred and twenty naira only (N1,220.00) for new students in Junior Secondary Schools and One thousand and forty naira only (N1,040) for stale students on the same level, while that of the Senior secondary schools stands at One Thousand, three hundred and twenty naira only (N1,320.00) for new intakes and One thousand, one hundred and forty naira (N1,140) for the returning students, stressing that the fees are meant for a whole session (3 terms).


According to him, “JSS students are expected to pay Parents Teachers Association Levy of N180 (N60 per term- N30 out of it will be remitted to NAPTAN), Report Cards is N150 per session, Instructional Materials is N60 (N20 per term) Sports is N100 per session, Examination for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd is N450, PTA code of Conduct is N100 for JSS 1 Students and transferred Students, Documentation N80 for new intakes and transferred students and ICT (MOES&T Intervention) is N100 and the sum is N1,220.00 while the returning students will pay N1040.00.


“Senior Secondary School students are expected to pay Parents Teachers Association Levy of N180 (N60 per term - N30 out of it to be remitted to NAPTAN), Report Cards is N150 per session, Instructional Materials is N60 (N20 per term) Sports is N100 per session, Examination for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd is N550, PTA code of Conduct is N100 for SSS 1 Students and transferred Students, Documentation N80 for new intakes and transferred students and ICT (MOES&T Intervention) is N100 and the sum is N1,320.00 while the returning students will pay N1140.00.”


Professor Olowofela said that it is wrong for some individuals to say the government is taxing the students, warning that illegal collection of any fee shall not be tolerated by the government as erring official(s) will be sanctioned. 


-- 


'Toye Arulogun

Hon Commissioner, 

Min.of Info., Culture & Tourism,

Oyo State Government

AJUMOSE SECURITY - DO YOU KNOW:

* That the many security policies of government which include the Joint Security Task Force (Operation Burst), the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), Swift Response Squad (SRS) Safe City Project, etc, were nonexistent prior to 2011.

* That the security spend in Oyo state has seen an approximate 400% rise from 2011 till date compared to what was obtainable before then.

* That the rate of crime and criminality in Oyo state has seen a cumulative 527% decrease from 2011 till date.

* That, for example, no successful bank robbery has occurred in the past 5 years across Oyo state, with only 1 attempt in Ogbomoso, compared to the 21 successful robberies recorded across ten years before 2011.

* That, for example, the cases of armed robbery has experienced sharp and gradual reduction from a total 261 cases prior 2011, to 17 cases in 2017.

* That, for example, kidnapping has also reduced drastically over the past 6 years; such that, only" 3 cases of kidnapping have been seen in 2017, compared to the 55 cases seen across Oyo state between 2005-early 2011.

* That, for example, cases of grievous harm, felony, auto theft, gun running, street violence, rituals, rival clashes and politically-motivated violence dropped from 1,119 recorded cases between 2003-2010 to just 97 cases in the past 4 years.

* That there has been an increase in the procurement of crime fighting and security equipment for the entire security apparatus; 9 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 122 Patrol Vehicles and 7 power bikes have been newly procured between 2011 till date.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#DoYouKnow
#AjumoseSecurity

Ibadan: Moving from ancient to modern with chieftaincy reforms

SUNDAY August 27, 2017 has become indelible in the history-books of Ibadan. It will remain fresh in the minds for long that on that day, the builder of modern Oyo State, His Excellency Abiola Ajomobi, the Governor of Oyo State laid one of the foundation stones of modern Ibadan, by crowning new Obas for the ancient town.

Courage is one of the essential attributes that distinguishes the great from the small. It is common knowledge that change is often resisted by man, irrespective of how much good might be coming with it. This is curious as it negates empirical evidence that society is only able to progress better on the basis of change, particularly well thought-out change.

While some  kick against the crowning of 33 Obas at Ibadan to support the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who himself has been elevated to His Imperial Majesty, it is imperative to note that those moving in this direction are in the minority. The vast majority of Ibadan people applaud Governor Ajimobi for this action.

This is indeed an answer to the prayers of the people for which formal petitions have been tabled before several previous governors of Oyo State, who for some not so obvious reasons failed to harken. But as many know, everything happens at its own time.

The clamour for the reform of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law spanned almost three decades and has witnessed intellectual activism in form of books (Chief T A Akinyele penned a book on it over 20 years ago), judicial representations, with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes,  CCII, and the Ibadan Elders Forum among notable bodies that have made formal petitions to the Oyo State government on this all important matter.

For the records, the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law recently reviewed originally came into force in 1959 as Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws and other related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland. It has also witnessed several reviews in the past.

So with the clamour refusing to die down and the inglorious treatment meted out to Ibadan High Chiefs at the coronation of the Ooni of Ife (where the High Chiefs were not allowed to sit among other Obas, despite their having the staff of office of the Olubadan and being duly accredited to represent him and the Ibadan kingdom); the governor was left with no choice but to yield to democratic principles and set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to review the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law.

Remarkably, the Olubadan participated in some of the consultations, which he had initially acceded to before mischief-makers started sowing seeds of doubt in him, in relation to the work of the Commission which “sat for three months and reviewed about 118 memoranda from several stakeholders,” according to Bimbo Kolade, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oyo State.

The crowning of these Obas was a mere implementation of the recommendations of the Commission, which the governor was constitutionally bound to. This has seen some notable politicians joining issues with the Governor. Without innovation, the human race would actually be retrogressing. That is why the Governor’s position on the reform that “today’s innovations are tomorrow’s traditions,” is apt.

Winning an argument against innovation with the Governor becomes more difficult because it is a guiding light to his daring moves that have helped to lay the beacons for modern Oyo State. It is apparent that not everybody would support anything, no matter how noble, but it is of concern that while the voiceless majority rejoice and applaud that the courageous and innovative governor has granted the long yearning of the people to reform the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law, some political jobbers have chosen to trade with it for political profit.

As is often the case, this minority has somehow resorted to media rants and brickbats, while trying to ruin the cordial relationship between His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan and the Governor. Given the massive numbers that turned out and attended the Commission’s hearings and the quantum of memoranda submitted by stakeholders to the Commission, it is evident that the reforms are people oriented.

This is also buttressed by the fact that “from 1993 to the present, Ibadan indigenes namely Kolapo Ishola, Lam Adesina, Rasheed Ladoja and Abiola Ajimobi (still serving) had been governors of Oyo State. All of them were confronted with issues of review of Chieftaincy Declarations across the State during their tenures. Ajimobi is only different because he is courageous enough to take sides with the people in an attempt to resolve the subject.

It is important to note that what this reform has done is to elevate top class royal fathers in Oyo State in line with what obtains in other parts of Yorubaland, a situation that has seen the Olubadan promoted to His Imperial Majesty, while the 11 High Chiefs (Olubadan-in-Council) are promoted to Obas. The notable difference in status quo being that they can now wear beaded crowns. Even with this development, their major roles remains to assist the Olubadan in looking after the 11 local government areas under his domain, while he retains supervisory and fatherly roles over the entire Ibadanland and kingdom.

Governor Ajimobi captures the gains of the reforms in these words: “The logical question at this point is ‘what do we stand to gain with this review?’ This review enhances the status and title of the Olubadan as the supreme ruler of Ibadanland, who shall be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Indeed, of what significance is a Field Marshal without Generals behind him? It reiterates the supremacy of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, conforms to the cultural realities and traditional settings within Oyo State and beyond, as we have multiple Obas in Egbaland, Igbajo, Ijebu, Lagos, and in all the Yoruba States of the Federation.” Ibadan history might have hit a turning point on Sunday August 27, 2017 but it is evident that something refreshing has been added to the culture to reinvigorate it as depicted in the words of Henry James:

“A tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it”. These reforms aside being answer to the prayers of the massive majority of Ibadan people, also represent something good being added to the chieftaincy institution and culture of Ibadan.

Oluwaseyi Odunlana wrote from Ibadan, Oyo State

Former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao Akala has ruled out the possibility of returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming that his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was unshakeable.
This is as he said that he had mandated his followers across the state to join him in the APC.
Alao Akala, who adorned a white cap tailored in “APC Change”, stated this at an empowerment programme of member representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency, Honourable Wumi Oladeji, held in Ogbomoso, on Saturday.
He said the affirmation of his membership of APC was to quell notions that he had accepted the offer to join the opposition.
According to him, recent visits to his London house by Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his Ibadan house by the former governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, were all part of playing the game of politics.
“I am in APC and this has come to stay. I am not leaving APC. I have told my followers and people of Ogbomoso that we are in APC and nothing can change that. I won’t disappoint you. Don’t be deceived by those saying that I will dump APC.”
“We are trying to bring ourselves together so I don’t want to talk about merits or demerits of being in APC. Politics is a game.”
“I regard it as the grace of God and it is marvellous in my sight that those in APC and PDP are coming to meet me,” Alao Akala said.
On his involvement in the 2019 politics, he said he was waiting for God’s direction.
He argued that such discussion on 2019 elections were premature.
“In politics, you don’t talk about 2019 in 2017. Anything can happen. I leave everything in God’s and he will answer me when the time comes,” Alao Akala said.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned further hearing till Monday , October 9, in the case of a former Governor of Oyo State , Chief Rashidi Ladoja , who was charged with N 4. 7bn fraud .
Ladoja is being tried alongside a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State , Waheed Akanbi.
The trial judge , Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned on Friday at the instance of Akanbi’ s lawyer , Mr . Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika , who requested that an official of Oyo State should be summoned by the court to tender some documents as exhibits.
Olumide-Fusika had attempted to tender the document during the proceedings on Friday, but counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , Mr . Oluwafemi Olabisi , opposed the admissibility of the document, contending that Olumide-Fusika failed to lay proper foundation for its tendering .
But Olumide- Fusika , who maintained that the document , which was supplied to the court by the Oyo State Government , was important to the defence of his client, urged the court to summon an official of Oyo State Government to appear in court for the purpose of properly tendering the document as an exhibit.
Ladoja ’ s lawyer , Mr . Bolaji Onilenla, did not oppose the application for adjournment .
Consequently, Justice Idris adjourned the case till Monday to allow for the invitation and appearance of an official of the Oyo State Government .
Ladoja and Akanbi are facing eight counts bordering on money laundering and unlawful conversion of funds belonging to the Oyo State Government to their own .
In one of the counts, Ladoja and Akanbi were accused of converting a sum of N 1, 932, 940, 032. 48, belonging to Oyo State Government to their personal own , using a Guaranty Trust Bank account of a company, Heritage Apartments Limited .
The EFCC claimed that they retained the money sometime in 2007, despite their knowledge that it was a proceed of a criminal conduct.
In another instance , Ladoja was accused of removing the sum of £600, 000 from the state coffers in 2007 and sent it to Bimpe Ladoja , who was at the time in London.
The ex - governor was also accused of converting the sum of N 42m , belonging to the state, to his own and subsequently used it to purchase an armoured Land Cruiser jeep .
He was also accused of converting a sum of N 728, 600, 000 and another N 77, 850, 000 at separate times in 2007 to his own .
The EFCC claimed that Ladoja transferred the N 77, 850, 000 to one Bistrum Investments , which he nominated to help him purchase a property named Quarter 361, Ibadan , Oyo State .
The EFCC told the court that Ladoja and Akanbi acted contrary to sections 17( a) and18 ( 1) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act , 2004 and were liable to be punished under sections 14( 1) , 16( a) ( b) and 18( 2) of the same Act.
But ex -governor and ex -commissioner have pleaded not guilty to the allegations .

FOR CONSOLIDATING SAFETY IN OYO - As part of the ongoing efforts to further consolidate security and safety in Oyo state, the Oyo State government "SAFE CITY PROJECT" Stakeholders site survey was done today, from a major city center at Mapo Hall, Beere.

Stakeholders present for this ongoing project assessment include leadership of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), OYSG-ICT, HUAWEI, Ibadan Electric Distribution Company (IBEDC), Fast Deploy and MTN.

The SAFE CITY PROJECT was commissioned weeks ago and it'll see to the installation of CCTV cameras at major city points to forestall crime and consolidate security.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseSecurity

AJIMOBI COMMENDS CJN FOR SANITIZING THE JUDICIARY
…RUES COURT CONGESTIONS, JUSTICE DELAY

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria,Gov Justice Walter Onnoghen, for his ongoing efforts aimed at sanitizing the judiciary of corruption and malfeasance, warning that justice delay is an invitation to anarchy.

The governor gave the commendation while inaugurating Mrs. Adenike Adeeyo and Mr. Adebukola Lajide as judges of the state’s High Court, at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, on Thursday. They were immediately presented with official Prado sport utility vehicles.

The governor lauded the state’s judges for living above board by eschewing corrupt practices that may attract sanctions and capable of bringing the state into disrepute.

Ajimobi, who congratulated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Munta Abimbola, for what he called his exemplary leadership, said he was particularly impressed by the impartiality, fearlessness and forthrightness of the state’s judges in the dispensation of justice.

The governor said that his administration’s avowed adherence to the independence of the judiciary and supremacy of the rule of law was evident in some cases that the state government had lost, which he said was the beauty of democracy.

Ajimobi said, “I must commend the efforts of the new CJN aimed at sanitizing the bench across the nation. Thankfully, our state is considerably exempt from the malfeasance and corruption charges that recently ruffled the judiciary in the country.

“To this end, I wish to publicly commend the Chief Judge of Oyo State for his exemplary leadership and sense of fidelity to all that is noble and honourable. I, therefore, admonish our judges to follow his example by holding firmly to their integrity, shunning all acts that can bring the bench to public opprobrium.

"We are hopeful that the addition of these two new judges to our bench shall add to the value of justice delivery in our state. We expect that they will approach their new duties with utmost fear of God, coupled with a high sense of integrity, wisdom and candour, so as to justify the confidence reposed in them.”

The governor charged judges to work towards effective delivery of justice to redress the crisis of congestion of cases in the courts and to avert subversion of people's rights.

If not addressed, Ajimobi warned that court congestion could encourage self-help and promote anarchy in the land.

In its commitment to the maintenance of peace, tranquillity and egalitarianism, the governor said that his administration had appointed 13 new judges since 2011, including the two that were inaugurated on Thursday.

Ajimobi stressed that the government had never been interested in counting the costs of the said commitments, but had instead chosen to always concentrate on the utilitarian principles that were hinged more on the public good.

The governor said, "Every day, our people cry for justice. They complain about the injustice in the land. And the reasons are not farfetched. Our courts are congested with cases, while people's rights are trampled upon by individuals and institutions, thereby posing grave challenges to the effective delivery of justice.

"If and when such inadequacies and injustices are allowed to fester unattended, the society unwittingly regresses to that Hobbesian state where ‘life is nasty, brutish and short.’

“It, therefore, becomes imperative for a responsible government to put in place a well-fortified judiciary peopled by eminent legal minds of impeccable character. Such a judiciary must be serviced by highly resourceful professionals who are well versed in the practice and procedures of the law.”














Communication Team
Governor's Office
Ibadan

Governor Ajimobi commissions nnpc depot apata after 20years of abandonment.

The GMD nnpc Dr. Maikanti Baru paid courtesy call to the Governor earlier today at the state secretariat. Shortly after they moved to the depot for the commissioning.
The people of Oyo state are very glad that loading of petroleum products will resume again in Ibadan.

ALAGBA, THE PRIDE OF OGBOMOSOLAND

At 343, Alagba is the oldest tortoise in the world. It is the pride of Ogbomosoland.

Soun Ikumoyede, the third Soun of Ogbomosoland, a passionate and charismatic hunter went into the bush on a fateful day to hunt for bush meats but he found a little tortoise instead of finding meats. Then, he decided to bring the tortoise to the palace for keeps.

Then, the tortoise got accustomed to the Ogbomoso people and its environs. The tortoise eats regular yoruba meals like amala, rice, pawpaw, grass and drinks a bucket of water at once on a weekly basis. The palace gatemen provides water for the tortoise by the time it crawls to the gate. The gatemen also bathe the tortoise once in a week.

In 2010, the tortoise suddenly developed a lump on the right side of its mouth. The Soun, HRM Oba Dr Oladunni Oyewumi was duly informed and he ordered that, the tortoise be referred to the Veterinary Hospital, Mokola, Ibadan for medical attention. The doctors said that, the tortoise have a minor chance of survival if they carry out a surgical operation on it. So, the palace decided to avoid the operation and the tortoise was returned to the palace without the operation carried out on it.

Today, the tortoise is hale and hearty at the palace, living with the lump though, but the lump did not take away the charisma and prestige attached with the personality of the tortoise in the palace.

The current Soun is the twentieth Soun of Ogbomosoland. Apparently, Alagba have lived with eighteen Souns and still counting.

The Ogbomosos believe that, the tortoise is a protective element and core part of the existence of Ogbomosoland. They also believe that, the tortoise hears whoever communicates with it. In addition, they usually urge tourists to pray to it so that, they can also live long.

#AsiwajuNiwa
#AjumoseTourismandCulture

Oyo to blacklist contractors with shoddy jobs



The Oyo State government has warned that it would blacklist any contractor that poorly executes its project emphasizing the need for quality and timely delivery.

The state commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Wasiu Dauda gave this warning over the weekend during the inspection of ongoing road projects within Ibadan metropolis.

Mr. Dauda, who was on an on-the-spot assessment with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Oyesola Oyedele, charged all contractors handling various projects in the state to ensure that the projects are completed within the stipulated contract period and in line with the contract’s specification.

He noted that the government will not accept any contract that is below its quality specification, adding that all projects being executed are expected to meet the expectation of the people of Oyo State.

The Commissioner inspected Challenge-Efunsetan to Orita Challenge Phase II, Ibadan (Eleyele) Eruwa road, Idi -Ape Bashorun Odogbo Baracks, Oke-Adu- Agodi-Gate Iwo road interchange and Agodi- gate-old Ice road to Alakia Airport road and expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the road projects so far.

He commended some of the contractors for complementing the efforts of the state government towards infrastructural development and consequently directed the contractor handling the Challenge- Efunsetan Phase II road to present his schedule of work done on the site before accessing more funds.

The Commissioner expressed displeasure with the pace of work done on site at Idi Ape - Bashorun road, charging the contractor to intensify efforts on the level of work and be committed to completing the project during the stipulated time.

Mr. Dauda reiterated that all the road projects embarked upon by Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration would not be affected by the present state of the economy, assuring that all projects would be completed.




--

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

Exclusive! Ajimobi Is The Emergent Political Leader In Oyo State – Senator Teslim Folarin
October 02, 2017

In this exclusive interview with ivote reporters, former senate leader and PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 elections , Senator Teslim Folarin addresses issues around his rumoured decampment to the ruling APC .

Sir, you have been quiet since 2015 on the political scene?

After every race, a winner emerges, the losing contestants congratulate the winner and leave the stage, allowing the winner to enjoy his victory. If you will recall, I was the first candidate of a major party to congratulate the governor even while all the results were not yet announced and before INEC had formally declared a winner. My agents on ground had informed me of trends on the field and as a true democrat, whose interest was to render service to the people, I felt no qualms to yield to the wishes of the people which was that His Excellency Senator Abiola Ajimobi continues with his mandate. Still in that spirit, I have also taken an informed back seat to watch how events in the state proceed. It’s only normal that the Chief Executive in the state be given sometime to implement his programmes for the people .

But Sir, we woke one morning to see pictures of you, the governor and former governor Akala all over the media space. Is that some form of realignment? Given that you are a prominent leader in the PDP?

People forget that the governor and I are cousins and have been in close relationships even before venturing into partisan politics. However, I must state it clearly that mine is a creed of politics without bitterness. What’s there to be bitter about? The governor won a free and fair contest, it was obvious that no one could have upset him. His popularity was just too high, his performance campaigned for him and his leadership by example paved the way for history to be made in Oyo with the emergence of the first ever two term governor in our state. The significance of that victory is that Governor Ajimobi has emerged as the new face of Oyo politics, in fact, I make bold to say that he is now the leader of the new politics in the state. Combine that with his administrative leadership of government that makes him the most important political leader in our state in the last 20 years, so when that person invites you over for a chat, the Yoruba spirit of Omoluabi demands that you heed the call. It was in that context that myself and former governor Alao Akala met with him.

Sir, are you suggesting that you have no problems with the governor’s administration as an opposition personality?

The governor himself will be the first to tell you that he is not perfect, that attribute is the sole preserve of divine beings. Look, let’s tell ourselves some home truths? What is the essence of politics ? Service to humanity? If that is the case, and if a man, bestowed with the sacred mandate of the people delivers on that , it is only fair to commend the person. I don’t just criticise for the fun of it . The governor’s achievements so far stands heads and shoulders above what we have ever seen in the state, and don’t forget that there are still 2 more years to address other areas of concern . For me, if it is indeed pursuit of service to the people that politicians are all after, then why chastize someone who is doing it spectacularly well. At any rate, if I see lapses , the governor’s open door policy has made it possible for people like me to have the channels to reach him and I can affirm that he is a listening governor.

Senator, there are rumours that you are set to decamp to the APC, is it perhaps true that this is the reason for the romance with the governor?

That’s preposterous! My relationship with the governor predates our incursion into politics . We are cousins. That being said, as a leader of a major political party, the turmoils in my party saddens me and my supporters. This is a party that we have given sweat and blood to build. I for one have made very painful sacrifices . Recall that I was maliciously framed up for murder and detained in prison just to ensure that I did not participate in the electioneering processes at the time. It is also instructive to note that elements within my party sabotaged our efforts to reposition the party, yet , we trudged on without rancour knowing that in the decision to serve the people, there would be fifth columnists amongst us that are not guided by the ideals of selfless service that we hold dear. We are not afraid to embrace other options that will make our quest to serve the people possible especially if like minds and people that hold such ideals invite us to collaborate. The stage where we are now is to give the governor all the support that he needs to succeed for our people. I must confess that the governor’s style , mien, vision , and pragmatic approach to leadership makes it very easy to support him. I am therefore not in doubt about my commitment to giving him my support but also making myself available to him if and whenever he needs my inputs. As to if I will leave the PDP? It is obvious that the PDP has nothing else to offer the people and as one who has dedicated the rest of his life to serve the people, I am not ashamed to say that I will pitch tent with anyone who serves the people and in this case, the governor . So, I am with him.

Finally, are you considering another shot at the government house?

I am considering any shot at supporting the governor to succeed.

Thank you, Sir.

INDEPENDENCE DRIVE: Here’s a brief history about Oyo stateCULTURE & TOURISM BY QUICKSILVER
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Oyo State, popularly referred to as the “Pace Setter” is one of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It came into existence with the break up of the old Western State of Nigeria during the State creation exercise in 1976 and it originally included Osun State, which was split off in 1991. Oyo State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high density urban centers.

The indigenes mainly comprise the Oyos, the Ogbomosos, the Oke-Oguns, the Ibadans and the Ibarapas, all belonging to the Yoruba family and indigenous city in Africa, south of the Sahara. Ibadan had been the centre of administration of the old Western Region, Nigeria since the days of the British colonial rule. Other notable cities and towns in Oyo State include Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Kisi, Okeho, Saki, Eruwa, Lanlate, Sepeteri, Ilora, Awe, Ilero, Igbeti, Igboho and Igbo-Ora.



Records, Landmarks and ‘Firsts’

The first university in Nigeria is the University of Ibadan (established as a college of the University of London when it was founded in 1948, and later converted into an Autonomous university in 1962). It has the distinction of being one of the premier educational institutions in West Africa. The other Universities in the State are: Lead City University, Ajayi Crowther University and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and The Polytechnic Ibadan which is one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria.



There are 631 secondary schools as well as 1,576 public primary schools in the State. Other noteworthy institutions in the city include the University College Hospital; the first teaching hospital in Nigeria and the internationally acclaimed International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).



Another prominent landmark in Oyo State is the Cocoa House, the first skyscraper built in Africa. The State is also home to NTA Ibadan, the first television station in Africa and Liberty Stadium the first stadium built in Africa.
Other major tourist attractions in the State include: Agodi Gardens, Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Mapo Hall, University of lbadan Zoological Garden, Ido Cenotaph, Trans-Wonderland Amusement Park, Oke-Ogun National Park in Old Oyo-Ile, Iyamopo and Agbele Hill in Igbeti, Bowers Tower and the Cultural Centre, Mokola.

NIGHT LIFE IN IBADAN IS GETTING BETTERCULTURE & TOURISM BY QUICKSILVER

The ancient city of Ibadan has witnessed new kinds of socio – infrastructural development in recent times which leads to the setting up of new brands and businesses in the city.

A good number of brand ambassadors and project managers have identified Ibadan as the next One – Stop centre for trade, Investment, small and medium business enterprises because of the efforts of the Oyo State Government at expanding the frontiers of infrastructural development while resuscitating moribund ones.

To this end, most Ibadan residents now feel safe to have fun with colleagues, friends and family at night without the fear of being harassed by hoodlums. Also, new business owners and night life lovers find it fascinating to drive round Ibadan at night to catch some fun and enjoy the prevalent serene atmosphere of Ibadan.

Read the article below for a fuller perspective about the ongoing transformation:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/viva-naija.com/ibadan-changing-times-sayo-aluko/amp/

Oyo Govt Closes Agodi Zoo



The Oyo State Government has announced the immediate closure of Agodi Zoo.



The government said this decision is based on the report received from the company managing the Zoo, AM & C, that one of the lions at the Zoo had accidentally attacked one of the attendants, Mr. Hamzat Oyekunle popularly known as Baba Olorunwa, who later died from injuries sustained from the incident.



Meanwhile, the lions have been evacuated pending further investigations.



The government decision was contained in a statement at the weekend by the Executive Secretary, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), Mr. Yinka Fatoki who expressed shock at the unfortunate incident.



He said that the incident is particularly surprising and sad as the said Mr. Oyekunle had fed the lion for over five years and was known to have had a very good relationship with all the animals in the zoo.



Meanwhile, government representatives have visited the family to commiserate with them over the demise of Mr. Oyekunle.




--

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

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has appealed to Nigerians not to allow their differences and the challenges confronting the various ethnic nationalities to divide them as members of a United Country.

The Governor made the appeal in his goodwill message issued in Ibadan on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, on the occasion of the 57th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

While admitting that many things were wrong with the current Federal arrangement in Nigeria which, according to him, had put some parts of the country at a serious disadvantage, he, however, said that things could be sorted out in a one and indivisible country.

He said: “It is quite unfortunate that at 57, Nigerians are more divided along ethnic and religious lines than we used to be at Independence in 1960. The drum of separation is being beaten now more than ever before.

“Ethnic groups with separatist agenda are springing up on daily basis, while erstwhile brothers and compatriots are taking up arms against one another, with others shouting `To thy tent, O Israel’.

“Right now, many of our countrymen see Nigeria as one alien enterprise from which they are very distant and which has no bearing on their existence. This alienation had led to the series of unwholesome developments which have put Nigeria on the map of violence-ridden countries.

“While it is true that some ethnic nationalities have not fared better under the current federal arrangement, the solution does not lie in the disintegration of the country or issuance of quit notice by one ethnic group to another.

“We are indeed better and stronger together with common aspirations in a united Nigeria.”

The Governor also called for concerted efforts at combating the violence, maiming and wanton destruction of lives and property, all in the name of religious extremism.

“More fundamentally, let us combat the demon of violence and crimes that is posturing as part of our clime. We must wean our country from the hands of this unwholesome tag that is a major disincentive to growth and development.

“We should hold the relative peace in the country very sacred and deepen the confines of peace. We can do this by living peaceably with our fellow men and women and put Nigeria at the centre of our interpersonal relationships,’’ he said.

The Governor, while Congratulating Nigerians on the occasion, called for more patriotism, resilience and determination on their part to ensure that the Country attained greatness.

Amongst many other agricultural strides, the current administration in Oyo state has taken a clear leap in Rice farming with a view to become a major stakeholder in Rice production in the southwestern region and in Nigeria.

Few months ago, the state government signed a MoU with the Dangote Group to this same effect; that is, empower rice farming and rice farmers in Oyo state.

This below shows an Oyo rice farmer on a 40-acre Rice farm in IGBOPE along the Igbeti-Igboho axis, keying into this drive, happily at that.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseAgriculture

AJIMOBI CONDEMNS ALLEGED VIOLENCE AT OLUBADAN’S PALACE

The attention of the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has been drawn to the alleged act of brigandage during a ceremony at the palace of the Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, today (on Monday).

The governor condemns the said act in its entirety and has directed security agencies to ensure that the masterminds are swiftly arrested, interrogated and brought to justice.

The governor has vowed not to brook anyone or group of people desirous of bringing back the regime of violence and brigandage to the state.

He wishes to reiterate his commitment to the security and protection of lives and properties of all citizens of Oyo State, which he has laboured hard to restore and maintain in the last six years.

PDP CRISIS: GUNMEN OPEN FIRE ON EX-OYO SSG

Gunmen opened fire towards the vehicle of the ex - Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State, Mr Sharafadeen Alli this morning shortly after the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan at the Olubadan's Palace at Popoyemoja, Ibadan.

The former SSG was at the back seat of his black Toyota Land cruiser Jeep with registration number Epe 447 ER when bullets penetrated his windscreen by the owner's seat.

A source who pleaded anonymity said that, the gunmen were on the pay roll of a top PDP politician who engaged them with the intent to assassinate Mr Sharafadeen Alli because of his prospect of winning the PDP ticket to contest as Governor in 2019.

Investigations are ongoing about the sequence of events and actions that led to this assassination attempt. An update is expected soon.

GUNMEN OPEN FIRE TOWARDS EX OYO SSG VEHICLE

Gunmen opened fire towards the vehicle of the ex - Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State, Mr Sharafadeen Alli this morning shortly after the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan at the Olubadan's Palace at Popoyemoja, Ibadan.

The former SSG was sitting at the back seat of his black Toyota Land cruiser Jeep with registration number Epe 447 ER when bullets penetrated his windscreen by the owner's seat.

A source who pleaded anonymity said that, the gunmen were on the pay roll of a top PDP politician who engaged them with the intent to assassinate Mr Sharafadeen Alli because of his prospect of winning the PDP ticket to contest as Governor in 2019.

Our media team is still investigating the activities and actions that led to this assassination attempt and we shall bring you the update as soon as possible.

Ex Oyo SSG, journalists escape assassination at Olubadan palace
................................

Former Secretary to Oyo state government, Barrister Sharrafaden, three correspondents; Femi Atoyebi, Demola Babalola and Jeremiah Oke and others on Monday escaped death as gunmen attacked the Olubadan palace, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, shortly before the installation of some Baales.
The gunmen who drove in two doors black Sienna, stormed the palace around 11.45am, shouted in Yoruba language “koni da fun iyalaya yin, eyin were e jade,” and all sorts.
The journalists who were billed to cover the installation of four baales rolled on themselves inside the gutter in front of the palace.

The former SSG, who is also Asaaju Balogun, who was sitting in his black Toyota Land cruiser jeep with registration number Lagos Epe 447 ER as bullets riddled the back glass of his car.
The journalists were all drenched in the stinking water and mud, while Demola Babalola and Jeremiah Oke sustained minor injuries.

One of the attackers escaped being lynched by whiskers as he fell off the car but guided himself shooting sporadically to ward off arrest before his colleagues could pick him off while shooting down Gbodu street down the palace.

Meanwhile,Intel's report from state's security team shows that it is the families of the aggrieved parties that were zoned out of titles are the ones shooting.

One of the key thrusts in the repositioning agenda of the present Ajimobi-led Oyo state government is to make our state the southwest and the nation's food basket. And, true to form, the agricultural policies entrenched so far across the state prove that our state is already assuming this status.

You should know that;
• a whooping 20 out of the 33 LGAs of Oyo state are abundantly agrarian.

• 161 asphalt roads, totalling 510km have been either newly built or reconstructed by this government to create ease of access to farmlands within and around these agrarian LGAS.

• among other aids, 323 tractors, 16 each, were given to each of these 20 agrarian LGAs by the Ajimobi government to boost agricultural productivity.

• our state now has the largest combined plantation of cassava and maize in the country; yearly cassava yield rising from 3 million tons to 8 million tons and that of maize rising from 226 MT to over 300 MT, over the past 4 years.

• the Ajimobi government has used this agricultural drive to DIRECTLY empower many, and also INDIRECTLY by encouraging substantial private investments and interests.

• the JOINT FARMERS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE is one of the present government's interventionist programmes aimed at encouraging and empowering a sizable crop of farmers at once, across farming settlements in the state.

• evidence of the efficiency of the initiative above is seen in these pictures below at the ABÀ OLÁ Cassava plantation located in ISEYIN LGA. It's a 200-hectare cassava plantation that engages 100 farmers at once. It is financed by the government in partnership with Eagleson Farms and its expected to have a minimum yearly yield of 30 tons per hectare.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseAgriculture

Oyo APC faults Olubadan over allowance claim
BY SEUN SEUN · SEPTEMBER 22, 2017



The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has faulted Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, over the claim that the state government has not paid his allowances for the past six months.

The Director, Media and Public Affairs to the monarch, Adeola Oloko, recently told our correspondent that the monarch had not been receiving his allowances regularly from the Oyo State Government.

But in a statement signed by the party’s Director of Media, Research and Strategy, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, the APC also commended the Olubadan for approaching the court over the installation of 21 new kings by the state Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

This legal action, the APC noted, was a “more honourable one compared to the previous combative steps and provocative statements from the palace.”

Olatunde said that the monarch collected statutory allocations from the 11 council areas of the state and from the state government, stressing that both sources had been remitting the money regularly.

The statement said, “Our father, the Olubadan, receives multiple tax-free payments from all the 11 local governments in Ibadan land. For instance, he has collected up till August 2017 from Ibadan South-East, Ido, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Oluyole and Ibadan North-East council areas while Lagelu council area has paid up to July 2017.

“Egbeda and Ona Ara council areas have paid up to June 2017. It is only Akinyele council area that is behind in meeting with this financial obligations and it is not peculiar to the Olubadan but to the generality of workers on its payroll.

“Contrary to the six months outstanding being peddled, the state government has paid all the monarchs in the state up to June 2017 from the appropriated fund of the approved budget and that is the same month which workers in the state have been paid up to. Kabiyesi still collects his honorarium for any event he attends just like the recently held APC organised Public Sitting on True Federalism.”

MIDWEEK MENU: Tolani Alli's Photos Of The Month!

"....It is from this thought that I decided to present a monthly panorama of pictures that poses a human face and that also presents a visual validation of growth from every corner at a point in time, as the Photos of the Month...." ~~ Tolani Alli, International Documentary Photographer, Storyteller and Personal Photographer to the Governor of Oyo state

Open the link below to have a fill of the these amazing shots that'd make your day

https://medium.com/@TheFutureMDR/through-the-lens-governor-abiola-ajimobi-in-august-2017-favorite-photographs-of-the-month-7dc28fb63ea3

�Tolani Alli

MIDWEEK MENU: Tolani Alli's Photos Of The Month!

By Tolani Alli

"....It is from this thought that I decided to present a monthly panorama of pictures that poses a human face and that also presents a visual validation of growth from every corner at a point in time, as the Photos of the Month...." ~~ Tolani Alli, International Documentary Photographer, Storyteller and Personal Photographer to the Governor of Oyo state

Open the link below to have a fill of the these amazing shots that'd make your day!

https://medium.com/@TheFutureMDR/through-the-lens-governor-abiola-ajimobi-in-august-2017-favorite-photographs-of-the-month-7dc28fb63ea3

�Tolani Alli
�Sayo Aluko

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Governor Abiola Ajimobi leaving no stone unturned regarding his drive to build a #modernOyo, in this case, a "learning city". He is seen here attentively participating in the UNESCO x Learning Cities Program in Ireland.
*****************

* WHAT IS A LEARNING CITY?
According to UNESCO, a learning city promotes lifelong learning for all. It is defined as a city that effectively mobilizes its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education;
revitalizes learning in families and communities;
facilitates learning for and in the workplace;
extends the use of modern learning technologies;
enhances quality and excellence in learning; and
fosters a culture of learning throughout life.

In doing so, the city enhances individual empowerment and social inclusion, economic development and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development

Lifelong learning is key in creating sustainable cities and societies. In the quest for sustainable societies, we must learn to live sustainably. People require certain skills, values and attitudes if they are to contribute to the creation of sustainable societies and address the challenges they face in helping achieve this goal. In today’s fast-changing world, where social, economic and political contexts are constantly being reshaped and reevaluated, learning must be continuous and lifelong. Lifelong learning and education must, therefore, become a main driver in developing the resources necessary for people to achieve sustainable environmental, social and economic advancement.

Cities are on the frontline of the battle for sustainable development. They are the scene not only of rapid economic growth and technological innovation but also of extreme poverty, socio-economic inequality and excessive consumption. They are also sites of continuous exchange of knowledge and ideas; places where people live, work and learn. As such, every city has enormous potential to stimulate and support learning among their inhabitants in ways that can help tackle existing issues, strengthen social cohesion and solidarity, and transform the prospects of urban communities for the better.

Click the link below to know more about the learning city, its benefits and success story:
learningcities2017.org/practical-information/conference-venue/

#AsiwajuNiWa
#ModernOyo

REMARKABLE 100% JUMP IN WASSCE

PERFORMANCE: How did Oyo state do it?EDUCATION BY QUICKSILVER

The Oyo State government recently made major reviews of its education policy with a clear intention to reposition education for productivity and reclaim its Pacesetter status. This noticeable surge in students’ performance in the 2017 SSCE, evident in a 100% improvement in average percentage performance from 22.12% (2016) to 54.18% (2017), is a highly remarkable take home from these key reforms:

1. ENFORCEMENT OF 80% ATTENDANCE
Enforcement of 80% attendance for all students to ensure their optimum performance in external or internal examinations. Students who fail to achieve the set standard would not be eligible for promotion to higher classes.

2. CANCELLATION OF AUTOMATIC PROMOTIONS
Automatic promotion of students in all public secondary is now cancelled. Promotions is based on merit so as “to ensure that quality products are graduated from the public schools.”

3. EXTRAMURAL CLASSES
Extramural classes for JSS3 and SSS3 in all public secondary schools. This measure is to add quality time to the teaching periods.

4. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT LEVY
A sum of N3,000 (three thousand naira) will be paid per student on annual basis as Education Development Levy. The payment of the levy will be in three installments of N1,000 per term.

5. NO MORE FREE WAEC REGISTRATION
Oyo government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/16 academic session as decided by stakeholders. “This is as a result of the lackadaisical attitude of students and to ensure commitment of parents to better performance of their wards in external examinations.

6. QUALIFYING EXAMS
The state government introduced qualifying examination for ss2 students transiting to the next upper class (SS3 – final year students) so as to ensure that only serious and quality students are presented for the final external examinations.”

7. ZONAL EDUCATION MONITORING COMMITTEES
The committees comprised of seasoned educationists, parents and security agents are engaged to “bring to students’ truancy and social ills noticeable within and outside school’s premises to a zero level.

8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARDs
Establishment of School Governing Boards as the State’s Participatory Management of Schools’ Model for the six hundred and twenty eight (628) public secondary schools and the Technical Colleges in the State.

REMARKABLE 100% JUMP IN WASSCE PERFORMANCE: How did Oyo state do it?EDUCATION BY QUICKSILVER
The Oyo State government recently made major reviews of its education policy with a clear intention to reposition education for productivity and reclaim its Pacesetter status. This noticeable surge in students’ performance in the 2017 SSCE, evident in a 100% improvement in average percentage performance from 22.12% (2016) to 54.18% (2017), is a highly remarkable take home from these key reforms:

1. ENFORCEMENT OF 80% ATTENDANCE
Enforcement of 80% attendance for all students to ensure their optimum performance in external or internal examinations. Students who fail to achieve the set standard would not be eligible for promotion to higher classes.

2. CANCELLATION OF AUTOMATIC PROMOTIONS
Automatic promotion of students in all public secondary is now cancelled. Promotions is based on merit so as “to ensure that quality products are graduated from the public schools.”

3. EXTRAMURAL CLASSES
Extramural classes for JSS3 and SSS3 in all public secondary schools. This measure is to add quality time to the teaching periods.

4. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT LEVY
A sum of N3,000 (three thousand naira) will be paid per student on annual basis as Education Development Levy. The payment of the levy will be in three installments of N1,000 per term.

5. NO MORE FREE WAEC REGISTRATION
Oyo government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/16 academic session as decided by stakeholders. “This is as a result of the lackadaisical attitude of students and to ensure commitment of parents to better performance of their wards in external examinations.

6. QUALIFYING EXAMS
The state government introduced qualifying examination for ss2 students transiting to the next upper class (SS3 – final year students) so as to ensure that only serious and quality students are presented for the final external examinations.”

7. ZONAL EDUCATION MONITORING COMMITTEES
The committees comprised of seasoned educationists, parents and security agents are engaged to “bring to students’ truancy and social ills noticeable within and outside school’s premises to a zero level.

8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARDs
Establishment of School Governing Boards as the State’s Participatory Management of Schools’ Model for the six hundred and twenty eight (628) public secondary schools and the Technical Colleges in the State.

The Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has fixed the resumption of activities at the university for Friday, September 15, 2017 .

The registrar of the university, Jacob Agboola, said this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Lekan Fadeyi.

The university urged students to return to their campuses for commencement of academic activities on Monday, September 18.


The statement read, “The Governing Council of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has approved resumption of activities on the institution’s campuses with effect from Friday, September 15, 2017.

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“Students of the university are expected to return to school on Monday, September 25, 2017, while full academic activities, the details of which the senate will announce, shall commence immediately after the Independence anniversary holiday.

“Council thanked the governors of Oyo and Osun states, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola respectively, for agreeing to support the university with necessary funds to enable the university to return to its normal work schedule and reinvigorate its latent capacities for accelerated and sustainable growth and development.

“Council also appreciated all stakeholders for their understanding and support.

“Council further appealed to students, staff, parents as well as the general public to demonstrate greater faith and dedication to the well-being of the institution, as better days lie ahead of it.

“Concerted efforts should, therefore, be geared towards ensuring that nothing is allowed to disrupt the normal work of the university again.”

It will be recalled that the university has been embroiled in perennial crisis, while various workers’ unions had embarked on indefinite strikes to press home demands for payment of about 10-month salary arrears.

Oyo State Records Best WASSCE Result In 18 Years

Oyo State government has recorded it’s best result in WASSCE examinations in 18 years, saying that it’s 54.18% passed rate of students with minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics and English is very encouraging when compared to the National passed average of 59%.
The government stated that 29,174 candidates representing 54.14 have a minimum of five (5) credits pass out of the 53,850 who sat for the exam, noting that the 29,174 candidates comprise of 13,884 males and 15,290 females.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun who released the figures on Wednesday in Ibadan, posited that the 2017 average results have an improvement ratio of above 100% over the 2016 results which stood at 22.12%

The commissioner pointed out that the improvement was as a result of government’s renewed commitment and efforts to reverse the downward trend in the performances of students in WAEC examinations as well as NECO, noting that the state also came second in the 2016 NECO results ranking.
Arulogun stated that the State government is awaiting the statistics on state basis from WAEC which was said to have been concluded on September 5, 2017 and will soon be dispatched to each state according to a correspondence from WAEC Head of National Office, Mr. Olu Adenipekun to the Secretary to the Oyo State Government.
He stated that the state recorded 4.40% in 1999, 3.59% in 2000, 8.7% in 2001, 6.93% in 2002, 6.13% in 2003, 9.17% in 2004, 7.89% in 2005, 10.40% in 2006, 6.16% in 2007, 9.14% in 2008, 11.92% in 2009, 13.40% in 2010, 16.97% in 2011, 21.35% in 2012, 21.79% in 2013, 19.19% in 2014 and 21.61% in 2015.
The Commissioner said that the improved performance did not come as a surprise, saying that the State Government introduced several policies to re-engineer the education sector in the state for improved. performances at both the internal and external examinations.
Arulogun said that Iseyin Local Government recorded 67.64%, followed by Ibadan South West 67.53%, Irepo 66.18%, Oyo West 63.95%, Ido 63.62 as the top five local governments, adding that Ibarapa North with 34.89, Surulere with 29.11, Ogbomoso South with27.95, Itesiwaju 21.01 with and Iwajowa local Government with 10.28 have the least of candidates with a minimum of 5 Credits including Mathematics and English.
According to him, “this is below our target as we are competing both within ourselves and at the national level. We want to reclaim our status as. the Pace Setter and so many policies have been introduced to ensure that our aspirations regarding quality education for the people of the state are achieved.
“We have cancelled automatic promotion in our schools, introduced the School Government Board (SGB) OYOMESI, Education Trust Fund ETF, WAEC Boot Camp, and Extra Mural classes, Staff review for optimization of workforce. These and many other state government’s Initiatives are already yielding fruitful results and we will not rest on our oars,” the government spokesman explained.