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.

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

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

Oyo APC Uncovers Plot to embarrass Oyo Gov with X - rated doctored video..

The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has uncovered a plot by some individuals belonging to opposition parties in the state to release an X- rated doctored video. The fake video currently being edited in a studio in a discreet location in Ibadan contains images of nude ladies dancing for the Governor of Oyo state. This is in the characteristic malicious manner of attacking the integrity of top political figures in the state through outright falsehood. It would be recalled that a video of a lady spraying dollars at a party in Holland was recently recycled on the internet purportedly as Governor Ajimobi's daughter.
The Oyo State APC wishes to use this medium to alert security agencies, National Film and Video Censors Board, National Communications Commission and other relevant bodies with a call to action against the perpetrators.
In addition, the general public is advised to beware of such video materials, desist from uploading, sharing or broadcasting such illicit content.

The Oyo State APC urges the people to avoid being misled and misinformed by these unscrupulous elements, who are in the habit of spreading falsehood and fabricated reports to the unsuspecting general public.

The party is committed to unmasking those that are always in the habit of spreading falsehood in the name of politics. Signed Dr Abdul Azeez Olatunde, Director of Media, Research & Strategy.

In spite of my not favourable disposition to the style and content of Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration of Oyo state, made worse by his infamous ‘constituted authoriy’ outburst on the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology question, I find myself agreeing with his action on the obaship issue in Ibadan land, and his logic on the unnecessary self-demystifying response of Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, the Olubadan on the matter.What is at play, under the guise of defending ‘the time-hallowed tradition of Ibadan land’,is no more than the expected reaction of an imperial power whose former expansive empire has been carved out and handed over to others.No Oba dances to Gbedu drum over loss of privileges, and no one should console the Oba with a honorific title of ‘ His Imperial Majesty’.Reality of our contemporary history is that the paramouncy of an Oba, over and above other Obas, outside of his geographical space, is no more than the respect the so-called lesser Obas are prepared to accord him, and what the political authority see of his conduct



It is indeed an irony, on the flabby wings of poverty of understanding, but much of sentiments, that you find supposed democrats encouraging a monarch, an unelected person, with no constitutional role, but merely occupying a ceremonial post by inheritance against an elected officer of state in a Republic. Let those urging Olubadan of Ibadan against his boss, the Governor of Oyo State and the trustee of his staff of office, be guided by the lessons of history.

Truth, as pointedly put by Ajimobi, is that what a governor owes an Oba is no more than respect, as no Oba, no matter how revered by the people and tradition can hope to win in a public fight with any of Nigeria constituted authorities, even against a local government, an Oba immediate overseeing authority. As no governor is expected to openly side with an Oba in any public disagreement with the Chairman of a local government, in the course of the latter exercising his authority over the former, it thus become a compounded tragedy for an Oba when he chooses to engage in a boxing duel, with the gloves off, with a state chief executive .Even under a regime of constitutional monarchy the king merely reign, he does not rule, and Yoruba history is replete with many Obas that lost their respective crown to arrogance, arrogating to themselves more importance than they have earned, just because people have learnt to tolerate them, in spite of their near-zero contribution to socioeconomic development of their so-called kingdoms, beyond deploying their respective stool for personal enrichment and self- aggrandizement.Yet, those among history-recorded deposed Obas, favoured with a return to the throne already suffered the indignity of banishment and separation from their ancestral homestead.

Let His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan land not be misled that ‘heaven will fall’ if the governor of Oyo state is painfully encouraged to retrieve from him the staff of office, handed over to him as a temporary occupier of the throne Of Olubadan in Mapo.There may be thunder claps, but no rain will follow the lightning , as a new Olubadan will be crowned, with the normal fanfare.Then, and after then, the deposed Olubadan will become history told in small letters

The World Bank and French Development Bank will partner the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government in the construction of 70 roads in the agrarian communities of the state to aid agriculture.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held on prioritisation of rural roads in agrarian council areas of the state in Saki town, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, Ganiyat Olawoore, said the 70 rural roads with a length of over 700 kilometres would be constructed in 28 council areas in the state.

The governor said that the execution of the project would be based on priority and recommendation of community leaders in the areas. He said the project would help transportation of farm produce from the farm to distribution points.

The consultant in charge of the Rural Access and Mobility Project in the state, Abiola Sappor, said the construction of the selected rural roads would commence immediately after the World Bank and French Development Bank examined the report of the stakeholders’ meeting.

He added that the report would be presented to the two banks by the State Rural Access and Mobility Project Implementation Unit and National Coordinating Office of RAMP in Abuja.

The consultant commended members of the community for the support given to his team while carrying out survey on the selected rural roads and assured them of perfect execution of the project.

Project Coordinator in the state, Yode Ayanlowo, thanked the two foreign banks and the Federal Government for the proposed construction of the 70 roads, saying it was designed to ensure that farmers at rural areas had access to good road network to transport their farm produce to the market places with ease.

We’ll recall that some few days ago, upon prodding by members of the royal Olubadan-in-council in part, and also in tune with a need to elevate the Olubadan stool by the way of expansion, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration to review the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, submitted its recommendations.

Much to the joy of sons and daughters in the 160 regions of Ibadanland, a highlight of these recommendations is the installation of a panoply of 32 beaded-crown Obas across Ibadanland, while the Olubadan stool is elevated to the level of a ‘Paramount Ruler’ and ‘Imperial Majesty’.

As we join in on these celebrations, Oyolawa deems it fitting to refresh our thoughts with ten (10) major reasons why this review is valid, long overdue and worth celebrating:

1. The review is in line with the modernization agenda of the present government, a postion which is in tandem with modern trends obtainable generally in the traditional and Obaship institution of Southwest Nigeria.

2. The review does not aim at distorting or destroying the age-long succession arrangement pertaining to the Olubadan stool.

3. Rather, this Ajimobi government-led review seeks the elevation the Olubadan to the level of an Imperial Majesty, with royal majesties beneath the imperial stool.

4. The review has legal backing – Sections 10 and 25 Cap 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2000, states the following:
(a) Section 10 of the Chiefs law gives a discretionary power to the Governor of the state if satisfied that a Declaration is faulty or objectionable, to amend or replace such declaration. That power is exercisable only by the governor without necessarily being in consultation with anybody.

(b) “Section 25(1) gives power to the Governor to set up an enquiry which he may consider necessary or desirable, which includes the power to make, review or amend a declaration.

5. The review has historical traction – Past governments in Oyo state have exercised the right to commission a review of the Declaration.
(a) A 1974 Commission of Enquiry reviewed the Chieftaincy declaration and its recommendations were adopted and changes effected by the then Military Government of Western States.
(b) In I976, there was the Adenekan Ademola Judicial Commission of Enquiry which made recommendations which the then Military government accepted and changes effected in 1981.
(c) Governor Kolapo Ishola set up the Oloko Commission of Enquiry on April 1st 1993 to review the chieftaincy declarations all over the state.
(d) Governor Rasheed Ladoja also set up the Adio Commission of Enquiry whose recommendations never came to fruition.

6. The review has the backing of many stakeholders in Ibadan – Over 100 memorada were submitted and sittings were attended by different groups including the members of Olubadan-in-Coucil, Ibadan Elders Forum, Mogajis, Baales, among others, urging that all parties should let the law take its course and allow peace reign in Ibadanland.

7. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, like other past governors, derived his constitutional powers to commission the review from Sections 10 and 25 Cap 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2000 stated above.

8. The review is much needed and long overdue because Ibadan, and its over 160 regions, needs it.

9. Ibadanland is big enough to entrench and accommodate a broader traditional base for cultural and communal efficiency.

10. This review seeks expansion and not distortion of the succession of the Olubadan stool. Rather, it seeks ways to make Ibadan have regional Obas to ensure much ease in attaining communal accord and peace, and driving socioeconomic development.

As the debate for the restructuring of the country rages, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has called on the Federal Government to surrender the control and management of revenue accruing from natural resources to the owner states.

The governor canvassed the position as a panelist at the ongoing 57th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, where he presented a paper on “Debt as a drag on institution building,” in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Other speakers at the session were the Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Mrs. Patience Oniha.

In what he described as a warped federalism that favours the FG, the governor said that the states have continued to rely heavily on the centre for the bulk of the revenue to manage its affairs.

Ajimobi said, “There is an urgent need for fiscal independence for the states if we are to be free from going to Abuja monthly cap in hand to collect allocations. Let the states control some of the resources in their domain.

“Let the FG unbundle some of the responsibilities in its care. Some of the items currently on the exclusive legislative list should be moved to the concurrent list. For, instance, there is no reason why the FG should be giving licenses to miners in my state.

“We need to revisit this arrangement so that the states will not perpetually be at the mercy of the FG. The practice is stifling the development of the states. Financial independence will reduce the rate at which states obtain loans.”

The governor had blamed the country’s high debt profile on political and economic instability, policy fluctuations, bribery and corruption, misappropriation, non-adherence to sound economic philosophy, weak institutions and deficient legal frameworks.

As one of the African countries touted as having the potential of becoming an economic power house, Ajimobi stressed that Nigeria must look deeply at its debt management and servicing tactics to attain the status.

He identified administrative corruption by political leaders and collaborating civil servants, through diversion of loans meant for designated projects to other projects that would cater for their narrow interests, as a major factor responsible for the country’s rising debt profile.

The governor recommended the strengthening of institutional capacity, adherence to terms and conditionality of loans, attitudinal change and project financing monitoring as the panacea to the country’s high debt profile.

The governor said, “There is a positive correlation between meaningful economic growth and strict financial discipline. The reverse may be the case when debt servicing, whether external or domestic, becomes burdensome due to mismanagement of loans.

“Nigeria, among some other African countries, has been noted to be among the world growing economies and as such we cannot but take loans, but we must look at the diligent approach and management of our debt.

“It is no longer news that institutional corruption perpetuated by politicians and colluding civil servants has over time caused the country a lot of problems, as the two divert loans meant for particular projects to other projects they believe their individual purposes would be served.”

In his presentation, Ghana’s finance minister recalled his country’s financial journey post-2007 debt forgiveness by creditors; a period during which he said Ghana witnessed economic growth and turnaround.

Ofori-Atta blamed what he described as the unfortunate misappropriation of the country’s loans over time for its retrogression to 73 per cent debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio and a decline in growth rate.

Since the incumbent administration took over the reins of leadership about eight months ago, he said that Ghana had put in place stringent measures to regulate its debt through the creation of debt management office.

In a similar vein, he said that the country also approved deficit target by the legislature and criminalized any attempt by politicians or civil servants to undertake projects outside budgetary provisions.

The minister said, “Ghana has criminalized any attempt by civil servants and politicians to execute projects outside the budget. We have created the DMO office and gave legislative approval to deficit target, among other measures to stabilize the debt rise and grow our economy.

“The most important aspect of the measures is to grow revenue and reduce taxes by 40 per cent for the people to get back to business. There is a lot of optimism and we are having a negative to a positive outlook.”

On her part, the DMO boss said that her office had done its bits towards attaining fiscal sustainability, stressing that borrowing was part of the budget implementation of the office since its creation in 2000, following the country’s exit from the Paris Club.

Oniha urged the FG to create paths for states and corporate bodies to raise capitals and bonds as availed by commercial banks.

She described the country’s revenue as underperforming, equating it to that of Bangladesh, adding that “our revenue level is very low because apart from new borrowing, the old borrowing is piling.”

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela yesterday hinted that the management and unions of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso have acceded to call made by the two owner states to be audited as a way to resolve the limbering imbroglio rocking the institution.

Speaking during a radio program held on a private radio station in Ibadan, Prof. Olowofela disclosed that KPMG is billed to complete the audit of LAUTECH not later than Friday, August 25, 2017.

According to him, activities are in top gear to ensure the school’s protracted crises are resolved, assuring that the report by the auditing firm will fast track the process to surmount the impending crises rocking the institution.

Olowofela also clarified that the state government’s establishment of Ibadan Technical University (Tech-U) is not to make it as preference over the LAUTECH. He noted that Tech U total school payment package stands at about N900, 000 saying that, while the University is built for people that have capacity to pay, there are modalities to resolve soon the crisis of LAUTECH whose tuition fee is affordable.

Also, speaking on some reasons for the protracted crisis, the Commissioner said there are some intricacies involved in the matter of LAUTECH.

According to him, Osun State, which is a co-owner state to Oyo State has a university which is self-financing. “The position of Osun State government was that if Osun State university that was established 12 years ago can be self-financing, LAUTECH that has been established for twenty years plus must be self-financing as well especially now that there’s dwindling allocation to states from federal government”, he said.

Olowofela added that, to show the seriousness of both state governments towards the institution, the two state governments in January, 2017 committed N292 million each to solve the immediate problem of the school while the state governments later jointly approved the audit of the school by KPMG.

He also added that, between 2011 and 2017, the Oyo State government has single handedly spent 10.2 billion on LAUTECH University, N8.3 billion on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and N3.7 billion on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo in Osun State.

Olowofela noted that if the state government is not serious about issue of LAUTECH, it would not have spent a whopping N22 billion on the institution.

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.

Ajimobi flags off properties enumeration, electronic C of O, Home-Owner's Charter policies today



The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will on Friday, August 18, 2017 flag-off the enumeration of properties in the State as well as the electronic Certificate of Occupancy and Home-Owner’s Charter policies.



The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun said that the event will be held at Oyo State Housing Corporation Field, Bodija Ibadan by 4pm, saying that the exercise is to ensure an increase in socio-economic benefits for the people of the state.



Arulogun noted that the enumeration exercise will be carried out by members of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Oyo State Branch, pointing out that the enumerators are expected to inspect and carry-out survey exercise of the owners/occupants of the properties without collecting money from any individual.



The Commissioner said that members of Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyor and Valuers (NIESV), Nigeria Institute of Architect (NIA), Nigeria Institute of Building (NIB), Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Religious and Community Leaders, Organised Private Sector (OPS), Landlord Associations, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Head of Tertiary Institutions, Media Houses, Banks, Market Men & Women and Other Stakeholders are expected at the occasion.



Arulogun explained that the government has put necessary measures in place to facilitate quick process and issuance of electronic Certificate of Occupancy under 60 days if proper documents are submitted by land owners in the state, stressing that the government was disturbed by the endless waiting period by land owners who wanted to collect their C of O.

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

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.

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.

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.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on Africans in Diaspora, especially in the Caribbeans, to connect with Africa for cooperation and development in various spheres of human endeavour in a win – win relationship highlighting Trade, Culture, Spiritual pilgrimage and Tourism as the key areas of collaboration.

Governor Ajimobi said this in his address titled Africa and Its Diaspora: Beyond Cultural Cooperation and Intellectual Dialogues delivered at the Emancipation Festival Forum on Africa and Its Diaspora which was held at Maraval, Trinidad & Tobago on Monday, noting that his administration is willing to offer the necessary incentives that will make every piece of investment in the state worthwhile and profitable.

He stated that the state had established a $2 billion, 4,000-hectares Free Trade Zone (Oyo FTZ) to kick start industrial revolution with positive response from over 157 international companies and some of them have started the construction of multi million dollar industries, explaining that to complement this effort, the state is building an industrial park with a capacity to hold a thousand industries.

The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, observed that what African governments needed to do is to invite the participation of Africans in Diaspora in the process of developing the continent, explaining that the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari has shown great will in tackling corruption and improving the infrastructural base of the country.

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

The continued revamping of the Health facilities and Healthcare delivery in Oyo state is what this visionary and first-of-its-kind N50 billion HEALTHCARE ENDOWMENT FUND is primarily set up for; this is evident in the projects already outlined for this fund.
We join many to commend the state government for this, and it's no surprise that many individuals and organizations, Pacessetters and patriots alike, from within and in the diaspora, are ready to contribute to the fund.
#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseHealth

Wow! Inspiration ▪ Motherhood ▪Civic duty ▪Bravery - all in one! Wow!
By the way, it's actually 42% - A 42% decrease in the prevalence of diseases like malaria and cholera, since Oyo state has been taken on the drive to become clean by the government of the day.
Hopefully, more resident Pacesetters would cooperate with drive to make Oyo state even cleaner, just as this woman is doing.
#AsiwajuNiWa

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, joined by a delegation from the Nigeria Governors' Forum, on a special visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in London. They conveyed best wishes from the Nigerian people.
Baba looks better oh!
Photos: @bayoomoboriowo

Ajimobi care about the well being of Oyo state that was why he introduced health insurance

Oluwaseyi1234:
The Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme is up and buzzing!
Dear Pacesetter, do you know that with just N200, you can go to the nearest accredited hospitals within #Oyo state or the State Ministry of Health, to register for the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme?
This novel scheme is the first of its kind by any state government, covers almost all the ailments and is free of charge to pregnant women and children between the ages of 1-5 years.
Have you registered? No? Oya, go now!

#AsiwajuNiWa

Caring government doing everything possible to reduced death in Oyo state

adele2202:
The N50bn endowment fund to be held on Thursday, August the 3rd, 2017, are aimed at achieving following:
The upgrade of 679 health facilities across Oyo state.
The establishment of a cardiovascular center which will provide up-to-date routine and emergency care in a bid to reduce sudden deaths arising majorly from cardiovascular causes.
Completion of the construction of five (5) new secondary level facilities in five (5) LGAs
Upgrade of existing secondary health facilities in the 33 LGAs and the primary care facilities in the 351 wards of the State.
The engagement of more qualified medical personnel for the afore-mentioned health facilities.
Used for infrastructural upgrade of 57 hospitals and 622 Primary Health Care centres
The revamped and free medical services so far have served over one million citizens over the past 6 years; this endowment fund is aimed at tripling that figure.
# AsiwajuNiWa
# AjumoseHealth

Citizen welfare is key in governance. Ajimobi koseleri

Akanbi22:
N7.9bn Paris Club Refund: 60% will be for Salaries, salary related - Oyo Govt.










The Oyo State Government has disclosed that 60% of the latest Paris Club Refund of N7.9bn will be expended on salaries, wages and pensions of workers in the state, saying that its decision to use 100% of its federal allocations for workers' welfare still stands.




The government has also explained that about 80% of its much touted debt profile of N115bn by political opponents is made up of salaries, gratuities, pensions and wages owed workers and pensioners in the state, emphasizing that it also includes gratuities and pensions predating Governor Ajimobi's administration.




The State Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi made these explanations while featuring on a live Programme on a private radio station in Ibadan at the weekend, saying that the remaining 20% is largely composed of financial support from the federal government such as budget support and infrastructural loan.




Adekanmbi stated that the the Abiola Ajimobi's administration is very committed to the welfare of the entire people of the state, hence, its decision to deplore 60% of the first disbursement of the first tranche of Paris Club Refund for workers welfare which is more than the 50% suggested by President Muhammad Buhari.




According to the Commissioner, "We will all recall that President Buhari has told state governments to use at least 50% of the refund for workers' wages, salaries and allowances. We are doing more than the 50% in Oyo State. When we collected the first tranche of N7.2bn, we used 60 % for workers' salaries and wages. We also collected a part two of the inflow of the sum of N5.003bn and committed 100% to salaries and salary related payments of workers in the state.




"We have paid two months salaries three times consecutively and the governor has not relented in his efforts to clear all the outstanding wages. We will all remember that Oyo State was initially excluded from the refund, but the governor's tenacity and strong will ensured that we also got our share.




"It amazes me when people throw figures in the air without proper explanation or understanding. It is ver disappointing when people who claim to be knowledgeable bandy figures for mischief with malicious intent for cheap political gain. Our books are available for all to see and the leadership of the workers' unions meet with us regularly. We devote 100% of our federal allocations to workers' salaries and salary related and we did not borrow all the N115bn debt.




"About 80% of it is an accumulation of outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities including those from previous administrations. We will do all within our capacity to always set the record straight and put things in proper perspective with a view to enlightening the public," Mr. Adekanmbi said.





--




'Toye Arulogun
Hon Commissioner,

Min.of Info., Culture & Tourism,

Oyo State Government

This is cool. Information on investment in in Oyo state one stop

abegner:

In line with a mandate by Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, a one-stop investment centre is to be established in the state in two months.
Executive Secretary, Bureau of Investment Promotion, Mr Yinka Fatoki who disclosed this, said the centre is to be a centralized point of call for investors to access information on the state’s potentials and process necessary documentation.
Fatoki, who spoke while addressing stakeholders to make up the centre, added that the centre will be a hub for information on investment opportunities, land allocation, especially for starting businesses in the state.
According to Fatoki, the centre is to be established within state Secretariat, Ibadan, has the overall intent to ease doing business in the state.
Stakeholders at the meeting who expressed interest to partner on the functionality of the centre included representatives of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
In his remarks, Vice President, MAN, Mr Vikram Deepak urged Oyo state to take a cue from the centre established by the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council.
Also, Chairman, OYCCIMA, Mr Olaitan Alabi prayed that bureaucracy be checked to ensure applicants get their approval with minimal obstacles.
He also called for institutionalization of relevant infrastructure at the centre to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Furthermore, Mr S. N. Anyaoha of SON, averred that the centre’s operation be seamless to reduce manhours spent in registering businesses.
He added that such centre would engender the sustainability of existing industries and encourage the setting up of new ones.

Audit LAUTECH joor how can government be putting money into empty basket

Oluwaseyi1234:
Now, listen. This above, is why without an #AuditLAUTECH, any attempt to #FundLAUTECH, either directly or by ‘bambianllah’, will possess striking similitude to a sham.
Right now, one pertinent question that should be stuck on repeat on the lips of every concerned and deeply thoughtful student or persons directly affected by the lingering anomie at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is this – “How long does it take to perform an external audit nitori Olórun?”. Please, permit the Yoruba for emphasis.

As far back as February 2017, the Visitation Panel that was set up by the two owner states had delivered its recommendations, where an external audit of the school’s financial and administrative activities, was prominently prescribed as the main course of action to set the school back on track, and to also prevent another breakdown like this ongoing one. Swiftly, the two owner states secured the services of the international and independent audit firm, KPMG, to commence the external audit and pave way for the reopening of a productive and transparently managed LAUTECH.

But, since this February, the audit, which shouldn’t take more than 3 weeks, has been unsuccessful till date, thanks solely to a lack of cooperation from the school management. Reportedly, as recent as just a week ago, the KPMG team were rebuffed and not given full cooperation by the LAUTECH management, and this is at the second time of asking. We are now edging into August, and so, to put its effect in proper perspective, this lack of cooperation has shut down the school for an extra one hundred and eighty (180) days, needlessly, and painfully too.

From clear cut fact-finding, the reason why the three (3) months of work of that Wole Olanipekun-led Visitation panel arrived at the feet of an external audit among other recommendations, was the level of financial impropriety and maladministration revealed in the process. A shocking highlight from that exposé was the fact that no audit, be it internal or external, has been performed on LAUTECH activities for the past 6 years, the school has been on autopilot into doom for a long time. The White Paper from the panel, which has since been made public, advised a more robust and complementary pattern of funding for the school, but, it also inferred strongly that no further funding should be provided until after an external audit is done to fix what’s clearly broken within the system.

In other words, while a more collaborative funding of LAUTECH should be practically encouraged, (that is from a combination of government subvention, a broadened internal enterprises, a raised IGR, Grants, TETFund, etc), an audit MUST be done first, in order to prevent pouring scarcely sought resources into a bucket riddled with holes. Quite simple, right? Good.

But, the question now is even simpler. What is making the LAUTECH management not cooperate with this external audit? What is making them not give full access to KPMG to make them perform and complete this audit in record time? Who is afraid of the LAUTECH forensic audit

While we nibble on these pertinent questions, this delay leaves only one scenario to the imagination of any keen mind, and this is that, the school management are dillydallying with the process of this KPMG audit simply because they know heads will roll if it is successfully done, and are therefore hell-bent to either frustrate it, or take time to “clean house” before it is allowed. No? Oh! If there lies nothing to hide, why grind their teeth against an external and transparent audit?

The reason why this is even more disheartening is the fact that the LAUTECH management have seemed to fed fat on our collective ignorance for long, probably even till now. At one point or the other, we’ve all pointed all accusing fingers at the two owner states citing funding shortages, unbeknownst to us that funding, wasn’t really the problem, both then, and now. In fact, despite the effect of a nationwide recession that barked and bit almost every sector, the owners coughed out 584 million naira earlier in the year to meet the school management at the centre, and thereby encouraging a forward-looking audit. Yet, nothing.

Now, listen. This above, is why without an #AuditLAUTECH, any attempt to #FundLAUTECH, either directly or by ‘bambianllah’, will possess striking similitude to a sham.

Should the two owner states insist on this audit before further financing is provided? I say absolutely yes! This is because the seemingly underhanded manner with which the school management had approached this important move, gives room for major doubts. At this point, both Oyo and Osun have the right to demand for checks and balances before issuing more cheques to make the school balanced. The LAUTECH management is demanding 1.9bn from the owners, and how sufficiently laughable that is, because really, what reasonable owner will sink additional N1.9bn into a fledging cause without a forensic audit?

In fact, it will be self-inflicting for the owner state governments to allow themselves get hoodwinked and blackmailed by the LAUTECH management into taking a course that will keep coming back to hurt us all, the school’s reputation and subsequent students, particularly. It’ll be nothing short of trying to cure a malignant cancer with a topical balm or ‘aboniki‘.

In light of all these, won’t it therefore be wise and instructive, to sound a charge to every hurt LAUTECH student, parent, guardian and concerned heart out there, to recycle and rechannel our collective pains behind the right demand to #AuditLAUTECH and tax the school’s management to cooperate with the government and KPMG to rid LAUTECH of rot and pave way for a reopening?

Praise Ifedayo, a LAUTECH Alumnus and a HR Assistant at Intel Nigeria, wrote from Lagos.

Thank you our able governor Ajimobi for health infrastructure upgrade

Wemimo1234:
Oyo State Government has said that it will hold its N50bn endowment on Thursday, August 3, 2017, assuring that the fund will be used for infrastructural upgrade of 679 health facilities in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, who disclosed this on Thursday during a Press Conference held at the Conference Theatre of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan, stated that the fund will be utilized for the establishment of a cardiovascular center which will provide up-to-date routine and emergency care in a bid to reduce sudden deaths arising majorly from cardiovascular causes.
Dr Adeduntan, in company of his counterpart from Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun and the Consultant on the N50bn Endowment Fund, Dr Bola Olaosebikan, noted that the fund will also be used for the upgrade of existing secondary health facilities in the 33 LGAs and the primary care facilities in the 351 wards of the State as well as engagement of qualified medical personnel for the afore-mentioned health facilities.
According to him, “the State has already commenced the construction of five (5) secondary level facilities in five (5) LGAs previous without such facilities. Presently, construction of these facilities is at various levels, but the Fund will adequately allow for full completion. Also, it will ensure that there is availability of up-to-date equipment for use in these hospitals.”
The commissioner further explained that the endowment fund will be used for infrastructural upgrade of 57 hospitals and 622 Primary Health Care centres, assuring that the fund will be administered with utmost transparency and accountability.
Dr Adeduntan expatiated that the fund will be managed in a public purse separate from Government account by a Board of Trustees comprising notable Nigerians led by renowned Professor of Medicine, Chief Oladipo Akinkugbe, stressing that the first phase of the endowment activities will span the next two (2) years with the possibility of extension.
Dr. Adeduntan explained “since all other vital sectors of the economy in the State are also competing for attention at the same time with the health sector, the government had no other alternative than to call on individuals, corporate organizations and well-meaning indigenes of the State to donate generously towards N50billion health endowment fund. We need the support of well meaning Nigerians to take our health sector to the next level.”
Speaking at the Press Conference, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun noted that the Senator Abiola Ajimobi administration met health care services in a bad state, saying however that the sector has been revamped and free medical services provided to over one million citizens.
He reiterated that the present administration has placed health care delivery on the front burner, noting that there is need for concerted efforts to ensure the sector is not moribund and static.
In his own address, the Consultant of the project, Dr. Bola Olaosebikan, who noted that the Endowment fund is the first of its kind in Nigeria, commended the State Government for supporting the lofty idea and assured that many organizations from within and in the Diaspora are ready to contribute to the fund.
He therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians to give Oyo State government huge support by donating generously towards the N50billion health endowment fund.

Ajimobi keep on doing the good works.leaders of tomorrow go back to school

Oluwaseyi1234:
The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday ordered the immediate reopening of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, EACOED, Oyo.
A statement by Yomi Layinka, media aide to the governor, said the order came against the backdrop of apologies and promises by the students’ representatives that their colleagues will turn a new leaf.
Mr. Ajimobi, who gave the directive shortly after meeting with the students’ leaders, admonished them against unruly acts that might truncate the peace of the state.
The state government had through a statement by the state Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Adeniyi Olowofela, shut the college on June 2 in the wake of violent protests by some students of the institution.
On Wednesday, the governor warned the students against a recurrence of the violence, adding that dialogue and engagement “were civilised ways of resolving grievances and issues bordering on welfare, no matter how knotty they might be.”
“We have forgiven you. But you must turn a new leaf. We are grooming you to become future leaders, but not through acts of hooliganism, destruction or any form of violent protest over issues that will still be resolved through dialogue and engagement,” Mr Ajimobi said.
In his reaction, the Provost of the EACOED, Rasaq Adefabi, appreciated what he called the role played by the governor in resolving the crisis.
He disclosed that the school management had set up a counselling unit saddled with the responsibility of attending to the welfare and concerns of the students.
Meanwhile, the governor has restated his appeal to the stakeholders at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, LAUTECH to allow unfettered access to auditors engaged to study the records of the institution.
This, he said, would pave the way for the reopening of the institution.

Government with big heart

Oluwaseyi1234 gpost=58778564:
The Oyo State Government has disclosed that 60% of the latest Paris Club Refund of N7.9bn will be expended on salaries, wages and pensions of workers in the state, saying that its decision to use 100% of its federal allocations for workers’ welfare still stands.
The government has also explained that about 80% of its much touted debt profile of N115bn by political opponents is made up of salaries, gratuities, pensions and wages owed workers and pensioners in the state, emphasizing that it also includes gratuities and pensions predating Governor Ajimobi’s administration.
The State Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi made these explanations while featuring on a live Programme on a private radio station in Ibadan at the weekend, saying that the remaining 20% is largely composed of financial support from the federal government such as budget support and infrastructural loan.
Adekanmbi stated that the the Abiola Ajimobi’s administration is very committed to the welfare of the entire people of the state, hence, its decision to deplore 60% of the first disbursement of the first tranche of Paris Club Refund for workers welfare which is more than the 50% suggested by President Muhammad Buhari.
According to the Commissioner, “We will all recall that President Buhari has told state governments to use at least 50% of the refund for workers’ wages, salaries and allowances. We are doing more than the 50% in Oyo State. When we collected the first tranche of N7.2bn, we used 60 % for workers’ salaries and wages. We also collected a part two of the inflow of the sum of N5.003bn and committed 100% to salaries and salary related payments of workers in the state.
“We have paid two months salaries three times consecutively and the governor has not relented in his efforts to clear all the outstanding wages. We will all remember that Oyo State was initially excluded from the refund, but the governor’s tenacity and strong will ensured that we also got our share.
“It amazes me when people throw figures in the air without proper explanation or understanding. It is ver disappointing when people who claim to be knowledgeable bandy figures for mischief with malicious intent for cheap political gain. Our books are available for all to see and the leadership of the workers’ unions meet with us regularly. We devote 100% of our federal allocations to workers’ salaries and salary related and we did not borrow all the N115bn debt.
“About 80% of it is an accumulation of outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities including those from previous administrations. We will do all within our capacity to always set the record straight and put things in proper perspective with a view to enlightening the public,” Mr. Adekanmbi said.

Oyo, Osun constitute LAUTECH Governing Council
The Oyo and Osun governments have announced the immediate constitution of a 7-man Governing Council for Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), saying that the council will be headed by a retired Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi.
The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mr. Olalekan Allli said this in a statement issued and signed on Monday, listing Professor Lai Olurode, Prof. (Mrs) Olaide Adedokun, Mr. Abiodun AbdulJelil Owonikoko SAN, Mr. Isiaka Olagoke, Mr. Tise Adenipekun and Bade Adesina as members of the Governing council.
Alli explained that Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Counterpart form Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acted on the powers conferred on them by the laws establishing the institution as Visitors, met and approved the immediate constitution of the Governing Council of LAUTECH with Professor Oladapo Afolabi as the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor.
The SSG noted that the tenure of the Governing Council, as mandated by the University Law, shall be for four years from the date of its inauguration, unless determined by the Visitors.
Alli stressed that the Visitors have also directed the immediate inauguration of the Governing Council, whose mandate shall also be guided by the provisions of the relevant laws establishing the University.
He added that the Visitors are confident that with this development, the ongoing crisis in the institution will be resolved soonest and consequently enjoined all stakeholders to cooperate with the newly constituted Council in its determination to realize its mandate.

Our public universities need to think out of the box to find creative solutions to their funding crisis
The nation woke up recently to the decision by 38 public universities to jack up their tuition fees. According to the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Deji Omole, the hike was necessitated by poor funding from the owners, the federal and state governments. Whatever may be the merit of this decision, we are concerned that it may obstruct the peace of the universities, whose students have already notified the authorities of their intention to oppose the proposal because it would shut out many of them who might not be able to afford the increment.

There is no doubt that the nation’s public universities are facing hard financial times. This is a corollary of government’s meagre attention to education, a fact attested to by its poor annual budgetary allocation to the sector. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommends that developing nations allocate 26 per cent of their annual budgets to education to enable them close the yawning gap in the sector’s development and to lay a solid foundation for their future growth, which would rely largely on the quality of their human resources.
Government, at all levels in our country, has performed abysmally on this front. In this year’s budget, for instance, the share for education in the federal government N7.3 trillion appropriation is a mere N448.01 billion, a miserly six per cent. But nothing demonstrates the perennial disdain for the sector than the allocation of a miserable N50 billion to capital development while a whopping N398.01 billion is allotted to recurrent expenditure. But reports on education from the 36 states of the federation are no better. The figures for 2016, for instance, showed that 33 of the 36 states allocated N653.53 billion, representing 10.7 per cent of their combined total budget estimates of N6.1 trillion to the sector.
These poor allocations fly in the face of government’s own realization of the dire situation in the Nigerian universities. An enquiry commissioned by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2012 on the needs of these universities led the federal government to earmark N1.3 trillion for special intervention in the Nigerian public universities over the next six years. Only N200billion has been released to date.
With low budgetary allocation to education, it is little wonder why tertiary institutions, particularly universities are broke with the attendant degeneration of their infrastructural facilities as well as lowering of standards of teaching and learning. The situation has led to perennial shut down and instability in the public institutions. Their global ranking has sunk so low that none of them is ranked among the top 800 in the world or among the top 10 in Africa.
Meanwhile, in spite of government’s stated commitment to education, widespread agitations for increased budgetary allocation to the sector has not persuaded it to take more substantive steps in that direction, notwithstanding its complimentary funding of tertiary education through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
While we support the clamor for increased funding, we nonetheless think that given the dwindling resources of government, the tertiary institutions need to think out of the box and find more creative solutions to the problem. Elsewhere, universities have explored several ways of raising money to fund their operations. In this regard, ours need not reinvent the wheel. The common avenues include donations, endowments, professional chairs, gifts, grants and consultancy services. We note that many of our universities have embarked on these but their performance needs to be stepped up.
The total earning of Nigeria’s 89 universities was N340.6 billion in 2016. Clearly much more work has to be done to shore up internally generated revenue in order to wean the universities of their virtual total dependence on government funding. More importantly, our universities’ administrators also need to manage their resources prudently and transparently as part of the challenge in several cases has been misappropriation of funds kept in their care.
Quote
Elsewhere, universities have explored several ways of raising money to fund their operations. In this regard, ours need not reinvent the wheel. The common avenues include donations, endowments, professional chairs, gifts, grants and consultancy services. We note that many of our universities have embarked on these but their performance needs to be stepped up

Who or what tells you that you can't be TRANSFORMED too?
Some 6 years ago, Oyo state was synonymous to dirt; our capital Ibadan was tagged among dirtiest cities in Nigeria.
But, today, for every ounce of dirt in the past, our state is getting a touch of beauty for a TRANSFORMED present and a MODERN future; all thanks to a honest vision and undettered dedication.
Dear Pacesetters and friends, BE INSPIRED today to beat any ugly or dirty past, and launch yourself into your own TRANSFORMATION that will shock your despisers.
#MondayMotivation
#InspireMonday
#AsiwajuNiWa

JUMOSE AGRICULTURE - DO YOU KNOW: #DoYouKnow
▪That the current global market value (gmv) of Cashew and its value chain is extremely high and outwits even crude oil; and that while Nigeria has the best cashew nuts in the World, #Oyo State has the best in the country. This is why the biggest Cashew Nut processing factory is being set up in Oyo State at the moment.
▪ That 84% [23, 901 sq.km] of the total land area of Oyo state [28,453sq.km] is arable land.
▪ That there are 9 organised farm settlements across our heavily agrarian Oyo state, with a total of 22 dams pulling a capacity of 11,413,00m3 and 126ha irrigable land.
▪That these 22 dams provide water all year round, ensuring the possibility of dry season farming.
▪That Oyo is going digital with agriculture with the "Know Your Farmer" (KYF) initiative; where location, farmer details, commodity, and the size of farm of each farmer can be accessed at a the click of a button.
▪That there's a new land policy to ease access to farmland to new and existing farmers, with a view to expand agricultural production within the state.
▪That Oyo state has leveraged extensively on having the highest number of functional Agricultural Research Institutes (5), by securing constant transfer of knowledge to further aid our agricultural drive.
▪ That rice will soon be produced in hugely commercial quantity in Oyo state off from the MoU signed with the Dangote Group.
▪That the biggest rice processing facility in Nigeria will be here in Oyo state, as this Dangote’s 16-hectare Integrated Rice Mill will require paddy from a minimum of '20000 Hectare' cultivated land.
▪That this will be a very viable project because of the rich Rice belt in the Oke-Ogun area, as the superior soil quality therein, infers that our rice is set to be of top quality in yield and taste!
▪That this Dangote Rice Outgrowership Scheme under the Oyo State Agric Initiative will empower thousands of smallholder rice farmers and consequently bring Oyo State to the frontier of rice production in Nigeria.
▪ That there is the construction of first-class, first-of-its-kind and fully-mechanized 10,000 metric ton agricultural storage silos in the senatorial districts of Oyo state for the storage of our cash crops and grains. The one situated in Awe will be commissioned soon.
▪ That we launched the Oyo State Pacesetter Farm (Integrated Farming model - Shonghai model) to complement our desire to be the foodbasket of the Southwest.
▪ That 458 members of Nigeria cassava growers association were empowered with N280,000 each.
▪ That 850 farmers were empowered with N250,000 in the feedwell vegetable planting program.
▪ That there are 18 Large Farms and Agribusiness setups across the state [12 Cassava, 4 Poultry, 1 Aquaculture and 1 Livestock]
Well, now you know!
#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseAgriculture