Category: Press Release

Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, a House of Representatives member has refuted claims that each member of the House of Representatives received payment of One Billion Naira capital project allocation.

Capital Project Allocation are the appropriations facilitated by the House members and released by the federal government to ministries and MDA’s for each constituency. This is meant to address socio-economic and infrastructure challenges in their immediate constituencies. It is also meant to support rural development efforts.

Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo state made the clarification today in a statement issued by her media Team.

The statement reads, “The attention of Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency and Chairperson, House Committee on Humanitarian Services, has been drawn to a misleading video currently circulating across various media platforms suggesting that Federal Legislators have been receiving ₦1 billion each since the removal of fuel subsidy.”

“This statement is false, misleading, and misrepresents the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

She added that no legislator receives funds directly for the implementation of constituency projects. “Rather, all interventions by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are executed by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government as stipulated in the national budget.”

She however noted that the recent Policy Development in 2025 Budget proposed an increase in the capital project allocation for each federal constituency to ₦1 billion. 

Akande-Sadipe added that this proposal was only recently introduced and captured in the 2025 Appropriation Bill (Budget).

“This development is a strategic response to the rising inflation and increased government revenues following the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the foreign exchange rate”, she stated.

She further reiterated that contrary to the false claims circulating, there was no ₦1 Billion Provision in the 2023 or 2024 budgets.

“This policy was not part of the 2023 or 2024 budgets. It is a new initiative, reflected the first time, in the 2025 budget proposal and It’s implementation is expected to commence later this year through the first quarter of 2026.”

Hon. Akande-Sadipe commended President Tinubu ‘s foresight and administration for ensuring proper execution of projects through appropriate MDAs. 

“As with previous constituency projects, these interventions will be executed through the appropriate MDAs. Lawmakers only *Recommend and provide oversight to ensure that projects meet the needs of their constituencies and are executed within budgetary timelines and standards”, she added.

Akande-Sadipe posited: “The lawmaker welcomes this timely intervention as a positive step toward addressing infrastructural gaps and improving service delivery at the grassroots. She reaffirms her commitment to ensuring that all projects allocated to Oluyole Federal Constituency under the 2025 budget are diligently monitored and executed to the highest standards.”

The lawmaker said she remains steadfast in her dedication to the principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable development, in line with her legislative duties and oversight responsibilities.

“We urge the general public to disregard misinformation aimed at misleading citizens in a bid to pitch them against their representative for political reasons (IBON OSELU). She implores constituents across the nation to always seek verified updates from reliable official sources.”–

Olamilekan Olusada,

S.A Media & Publicity,

Office of Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, MHR

Member, House of Representatives

Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State.  

May 19, 2025.

Basketball promoter and founder of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida on his recent appointment as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Engr. Kida, who currently serves as the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Wednesday, as part of a comprehensive reconstitution of the NNPC Limited board.

In his reaction, Mark expressed his admiration for Kida’s appointment, stating, “This is a stunning achievement for Engr. Kida. His extensive experience, capacity, and quality make him an exceptional choice for this critical role. With over forty years in the oil industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable.”

Mark urged Kida to leverage his background in basketball, both as a player and an administrator, to drive the NNPCL towards ambitious goals. “I encourage him to channel his passion and leadership from the basketball court into the oil sector, a familiar terrain you have operated since 1985” Mark said.

 “Mr. President has set high expectations, aiming to raise oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million by 2030, along with increasing gas production to eight billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and ten billion by 2030. I have no doubt that Engr. Kida has the vision and determination to exceed these targets.”Mark stated.

…Opens New website for Loan Disbursement to Alumni Members
The Ajayi Crowther University Alumni Association has expanded its global network with the launch of new branches in three countries, including the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The association has also launched new branches in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Alumni’s President, Busoye Ogunlade, in Ibadan on Monday.
He said the alumni inaugurated new executives that would run the affairs of the organisation in the aforementioned countries and states for the next three years.The new branch Executives are:ACU Alumni United States Coordinator: Temitope OkegbemiroACU Alumni United Kingdom (UK) Coordinator: Omowumi Yewande AjayiACU Alumni Ibadan Branch Coordinator: Oni Ayodeji EmmanuelACU Alumni Lagos State Branch Coordinator: Oluwatobiloba, Babatunde-AyoolaACU Alumni Abuja Branch Coordinator: Slim-Wonah Oluwaseun Oluwatomi (nee Adetayo)ACU Alumni Canada Coordinator: Seyi Adepoju.
According to him, it was part of his manifesto, when he contested for the position of the Alumni’s President, that he will expand the Alumni association across the globe, adding that the new branches are an exclusive launch pad for excellence.
Ogunlade said the Alumni Association has enjoyed full collaboration with the university and will look into ways to establish an endowment fund for research and support lecturers to mitigate brain drain.
Mr. Ogunlade noted that the marvellous support given to them by the management of the institution culminated in the successful launch of the new branches.
The President urged graduates of the institution to play a complementary role in driving reform and development in ACU, even as the university celebrates her 20th anniversary this year.
He said the new executives who will hold the affairs of each chapter comprise senior public servants and professionals in various fields of endeavours.
The President therefore called on all members to cooperate with the new officials to enable them to perform well, charging the new executives to lead by example and exhibit good leadership qualities at all times.
He equally called on members not to relent in their support to enable the new officials to thrive.
“On this note, we invite all old students of ACU to give the executives in their countries and states your unwavering support so that we can collectively, steadily and fearlessly navigate the tough terrain ahead of us,” Ogunlade said.
He added, “Members’ support would enable the new teams to build a strong, efficient, and prosperous alumni association to the glory of God and humanity.”
Mr. Ogunlade also added that the alumni association has launched its website, www.acu-alumni.com, for easy access to information on the institution and processing of transcript.
He advised members to register on the website for easy collation of names and disbursement of loans for small-scale businesses to members of the association. 
“We have come up with different ideas to ease the burden on each student. This is why we created a new website to assist them in different ways, including disbursement of loans and processing their results and transcripts”.

The Oyo State Civil Service Commission has implemented a review of Entry Grade Level for University graduate nurses within the Civil service.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Provost, Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Ibadan, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, during a meeting with 21 Nursing Tutors, whose entry Grade levels were reviewed to GL10 from from GL08.

Dr. Owolabi charged Nursing Tutors of the institution to be diligent in their duties and imbibe integrity and quality.

Recall that the National Council of Establishment (NCE) in its 43rd meeting in 2022, approved that University graduate nurses should be reviewed to grade level 10.

The provost said, “The institution is out to train nursing and health practitioners and churn out quality manpower who can function effectively in community, primary, secondary, tertiary, and industrial health settings. I urge you to key into this vision, even as the present administration will not deprive you of your rights.”

Dr. Owolabi, who said that the Oyo State government placed priority on integrity and quality, disclosed that “the institution has received necessary accreditations from the regulatory bodies for some courses.”

She lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the promotion of the 21 Nursing Tutors, saying such a gesture should be reciprocated with dedication to service.

In her vote of thanks, a Nursing Tutor, Mrs. Abiola Elizabeth, lauded the management of the institution, saying the approval from the civil service had further accentuated the priority placed on the health sector by Oyo State government.

A member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has raised the alarm that armed herdsmen have invaded Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities within the Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State.
The lawmaker, on Friday in Abuja, alleged that herdsmen have been destroying farm produce, intimidating local farmers, and using weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instil fear in residents of Ogunmakin.
She noted that this has jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers, exacerbating the economic crises and food insecurity of the region.
Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency at the 10th Assembly, said she raised this concern in a matter of Urgent Public Importance in a Motion on the need to avert further loss of lives, humanitarian and food security crisis as a result of invasion of farmlands by armed herdsmen in Oluyole Federal constituency on the floor of the House earlier in the week.
She called on relevant arms of the Federal government and security agencies to intervene before the people are completely wiped out from their ancestral homes.
Akande-Sadipe who Chairs the House committee on Humanitarian Services further accused the armed herdsmen of “a deliberate agenda to destroy farm produce, intimidate local farmers, and using weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instil fear, thereby jeopardizing the livelihoods of farmers, exacerbating the economic crises and food insecurity of the region.”
She further noted that despite multiple reports to law enforcement agencies, no decisive action has been taken to address the situation, leaving farmers vulnerable and unprotected.
“The failure to act swiftly has emboldened the perpetrators, leading to increased attacks, destruction of crops, and threats to lives and property, with the risk of further escalation if immediate action is not taken”, she ascertained.
Tolulope Akande-Sadipe recalled the resolution of the igangan crisis in 2021, where decisive steps were taken to address similar issues, including the enforcement of anti-open grazing laws and the deployment of security forces to restore peace and protect farmers;
She called for an immediate investigation of the reported cases of intimidation, destruction of farmlands, and use of weapons by herdsmen in the area and ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others.
Akande-Sadipe asked the House to call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to: Provide immediate relief materials and support to affected farmers and communities to mitigate the impact of the crisis on their livelihoods, enable them to recover from losses incurred, and resume agricultural activities.
The Lawmaker also begged for an immediate conduct of an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and environs and engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and community leaders, to develop a sustainable solution to the crisis.
—

Olamilekan Olusada,

S.A Media & Publicity. 

March 8, 2025.

February 24, 2025

Speaker Abbas launches campaign against drug abuse, domestic violence in North-West

…laments rising cases in zone, seeks religious, traditional leaders’ intervention

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has launched a sensitisation campaign against the rising cases of drug abuse and domestic violence in the North-West geopolitical zone, saying it demands urgent actions.

He stated that the task of eradicating drug abuse, illicit drug flow, and domestic violence should not be left to the government alone, noting that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders.

Speaker Abbas, therefore, called on traditional and religious leaders as well as educators to join the campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence, urging them to sensitize those under their influence on the impact on society.

The Speaker made the call at the flag-off of Sensitisation Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in the North-West Zone, themed: ‘Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,’ held in Kaduna on Monday. It was organized in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

Speaker Abbas, who convened the sensitisation campaign, announced that his office would work closely with NOA and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as well as other key stakeholders, “engaging directly with communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, educators, and non-governmental organisations across all states and local governments in the North-West.”

He said: “I have chosen to focus on these pressing issues because they strike at the very heart of our collective security and prosperity. Sensitisation, in this context, is far more than an awareness campaign; it is a decisive call to action. By educating our citizens about the perils of drug abuse and domestic violence, we aim to foster preventative measures, extend critical support services, and empower our communities to safeguard their future.”

The Speaker noted that the flag-off comes at “a critical juncture for our region, where recent data from various Nigerian government agencies have underscored the urgency of these issues.”

He cited the example of a report by the NDLEA, which said there was a 25 per cent rise in drug abuse in the North-West over the past three years.

The NDLEA also reported that in Kaduna State alone, statistics indicate a 28 per cent increase in drug seizures in 2023 compared to the previous year, while similar troubling trends have been observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi.

“In these states, law enforcement agencies are contending with a surge in the availability and consumption of illicit substances, which threatens public safety and undermines socioeconomic stability,” the Speaker said.

Speaker Abbas said it is equally concerning that the scourge of domestic violence has continued to ravage families and communities across our nation, particularly in the North-West. 

He also cited data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and reports from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development which reveal that nearly 35 per cent of women nationwide have experienced some form of domestic violence  and “the situation is even more alarming” in the North-West.

The Speaker said recent figures from Kano suggest that up to 40 per cent of women have encountered domestic abuse, while Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto have recorded significant increases in reported cases over the past year. 

Speaker Abbas said: “These figures are a stark reminder that domestic violence not only violates human rights but also inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that weakens the social fabric of our communities.

“In addressing these twin challenges, I must acknowledge the commendable and targeted interventions by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“On the national stage, the government has significantly bolstered the capacity of the NDLEA by increasing funding, providing modern tools and enhanced training, and launching initiatives that expand rehabilitation centres and community-based outreach programmes. These measures have disrupted drug trafficking networks and provided essential support to those affected by substance abuse.”

On the issue of domestic violence, Speaker Abbas noted that the government has introduced robust legal reforms and reinforced policies through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. These efforts, he said, include establishing safe houses, counselling services, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns that aim to protect victims and promote cultural change toward zero tolerance of abuse.

While stating that it is incumbent upon the government to enact and enforce policies that address the root causes of these challenges, he stressed that community leaders must foster a culture that unequivocally rejects drug abuse and domestic violence.

The Speaker said: “I call upon all the governors of the North-West states and their local government chairmen to wholeheartedly support this initiative and work in unison with the agencies charged with its execution. The future of our region depends on the decisive actions we take today. Let us unite our efforts to protect our youth from the destructive allure of drugs and uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen.”

The Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), CON, who delivered the keynote address titled, ‘The Impact of Drug Addiction on National Development,’ noted that drug abuse is one of the major challenges facing the country.

Marwa noted that there is a strong link between drug abuse and criminality. 

While pointing out that though the NDLEA is the first responder in checking the flow of illicit drugs in Nigeria, Marwa stated that it is not a responsibility of the agency alone, as security agencies, public, religious and traditional institutions have roles to play.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the campaign was a call for action by all stakeholders to make society safe for all.

While calling for sensitisation of people at the grassroots, especially the young ones, the NOA DG urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence in society to campaign against drug abuse.

Issa-Onilu stated that the event was about the future of the new generation, warning that Nigeria risks losing a generation to drug abuse and addiction.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Sadiq, stated that attention should also be paid to over-the-counter drugs, noting that apart from hard drugs, medicines such as cough syrups and analgesics are also abused.

The governor also reeled out the interventions by his administration while commending the local governments in Kaduna for their collaborative efforts.

The Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) have set up a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables to address the frequent damage to fiber optic infrastructure caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities. These disruptions have significantly impacted telecommunications services across Nigeria.

The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the FMoW Boardroom by Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of FMoW, and Engr. Farouk Yusuf, Permanent Secretary of FMoCIDE. Also in attendance was Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The committee comprises key officials from the two ministries and the NCC.

Committee’s Mandate

The primary role of the Joint Standing Committee is to establish and maintain effective coordination and communication between the two ministries and the NCC to prevent and minimize damage to fiber optic cables during road construction and maintenance activities.

While inaugurating the committee, Engr. Adebiyi emphasized the need for clear modalities and preventive measures to mitigate fiber cuts caused by road projects and vandalism, both of which have led to severe service disruptions nationwide.

He stated that the committee will serve as a coordinating body for all matters related to fiber optic protection before, during, and after road construction. The committee will meet regularly to identify challenges, implement industry-wide solutions, establish standard procedures, and share monthly performance reports.

“They are also expected to develop an instant communication mechanism to ensure prompt information sharing among all stakeholders,” he added.

Going forward, the ministry will integrate fiber optic cable placement into the planning, design, and execution of national road infrastructure projects, including provisions for ducts during road construction.

Ensuring Protection During Project Execution

Engr. Adebiyi further noted that the committee will work closely with Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) to prioritize the protection of fiber infrastructure during all stages of project execution. It will also align with telecom operators to ensure coordination on ongoing and future projects.

In his remarks, Engr. Farouk Yusuf underscored the importance of fiber optic networks to Nigeria’s economy, stating that they form the backbone of the country’s digital ecosystem. These networks enable seamless broadband services, supporting national connectivity, economic development, and technological advancement.

He highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent unnecessary disruptions to telecommunication services caused by construction activities.

Telecom Industry Impact

Speaking at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, emphasized the critical role of the committee’s work in ensuring nationwide network stability.

“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s telecom industry and its consumers. Fiber networks form the foundation of our broadband ecosystem, delivering the high-capacity backhaul required for ultra-fast 4G and 5G networks. These next-generation technologies depend on fiber infrastructure for low latency, high reliability, and seamless data transmission.

“Last year, over 50,000 fiber cuts were recorded nationwide, with approximately 30,000 attributed to road construction activities at federal and state levels. Some of these incidents led to major network outages, such as the February 2024 nationwide MTN outage.

“One major cause of these fiber cuts is the lack of an efficient coordination mechanism between road construction companies and fiber infrastructure operators.

“I am optimistic that the work of this committee will significantly reduce fiber cuts related to road construction. This will, in turn, minimize network outages, prevent unnecessary repair costs, and reduce the need for redundant network routes that serve as backup solutions during service disruptions.

“This initiative is not just for the telecom industry but for all Nigerians. Every fiber cut results in service disruptions for consumers. The industry is forced to invest in expensive redundancy measures, but by preventing avoidable damages, operators can redirect resources towards network expansion and infrastructure improvement,” Dr. Maida stated.

Signed:

Reuben Muoka
Director, Public Affairs

Monday, February 24, 2025

Two Federal Lawmakers, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Oluyole Federal Constituency) and Hon. Festus Akingbaso (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency) represented the Nigerian Legislative arm at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025.

At the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Leading the Executive arm is the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, accompanied by Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulations, NCAA, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Operations, FAAN, Dr. Rebecca Eyuiche Aghadinazu – Director Corporate Services NCAA, Dr. Luqman Emiola, Director of Human Resources and Admin and Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The event, which was held between February 10- 12, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was an opportunity to solidify mutual aviation ties between both nations.

The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the prestigious Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM)-an ambitious initiative by the UAE to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.

Speaking at the event, Akande-Sadipe said the symposium focused on innovative concepts in the emerging field of advanced air mobility, emphasizing the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE.

She added that the event attracted key stakeholders from across the aviation industry, academia, governments, and international organizations.

According to Akande-Sadipe, experts and industry leaders gathered to exchange research, best practices, and lessons learned, with a focus on the integration of AAM into the global aviation system.

The landmark agreement was executed during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025, in a high-level meeting with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy.

In a further boost to bilateral relations, both countries agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety and regulatory, environment, airport facilitation and security.

Akande-Sadipe said this speaks volumes on Nigeria’s readiness to work with the UAE to ensure that both nations maximize the economic and operational benefits of this strengthened partnership.

“I am pleased to have been a part of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium in Abu Dhabi, engaging with top leaders in aviation in discussions centered around sustainable air transport, regulatory advancements, and Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of global aviation”, she said.

The Oyo State government has officially opened the rehabilitated Eleyele-Water Road in Ibadan, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure renewal and urban development.

The road was inaugurated today by the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Hon. Busoye Ogunlade.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Ibadan, Ogunlade emphasized the critical role of transportation infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving residents’ quality of life.

He noted that the rehabilitation of Eleyele-Water Road would help ease traffic congestion on Eleyele-Sango Road, serving as a strategic diversion for motorists heading towards Ologuneru Road.

According to Ogunlade, OYSROMA facilitated the repair of deteriorated asphalt sections along the route, completing the work in about a week.

“The Eleyele-Water Road was completed this year, and today, we are delighted to open it for residents and road users in this area. Presently, the Oyo State government is undertaking a massive road rehabilitation project, which includes the upgrading of four strategically important roads: Zion Plaza-Olusoji, Eleyele-Water, Bashorun Oluwo-Nla, and Agbowo roads,” he stated.

Ogunlade further highlighted that the road upgrade would reduce travel time, minimize flooding, and boost property and business values within the area.

He also called for community involvement in maintaining the newly rehabilitated roads to ensure their longevity and durability.

Hon. Busoye Ogunlade commended stakeholders and residents for their support and reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s dedication to infrastructure development across Oyo State.

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State
January 30, 2025

The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Oyo RAAMP) has successfully signed a contract agreement worth N16,273,711,608.09 for the construction of about 68km rural roads under phase 1 of the intervention project.

The contract signing event which took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, Ibadan- the Supervisory Ministry of Oyo RAAMP, and under the supervision of the Commissioner of the Ministry, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye had five construction companies sign contract agreements with Oyo RAAMP.

The construction companies are Dephhanny’s Venture Limited; Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited; Messrs Coastline Engineering Limited; Messrs Lopek Engineering and construction limited and Messrs E.A.A Engineering Limited.

This is aimed at constructing the rural roads which cut across the about Five Local government areas of Oyo state.

Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the project aims to upgrade Rural roads, improve agricultural marketing and promote economic growth in oyo state.

According to Olasunkanmi, the Project is expected to have a positive impact on lives of rural communities, farmers, and traders as well as market hubs to reduce post harvest lost of agricultural products.

While congratulating the firms/Contractors who finally emerged from the highly competitive bidding and procuremnt processes, the Commissioner explained that the phase 1 intervention roads of backlog maintenance/rehabilitation and cross drainage structures will include: Fashola Farm settlement road networks, Oyo West, Oloko Oyo Junction- Ikere Junction, Iseyin Local Government; Alako-Idiya-Batake-
Olowa Farm settlement Ido Local Government; Adebayo-Alata-Aba Oje, Oluyole local government; Okudi-Oyada road, ATISBO Local Government; and Tewure-Ila junction road, Oriire local governments respectively.

He therefore urged the contractors to ensure they execute quality and satisfactory jobs.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye said that the project objectives align with vision of the present government in Oyo state under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde which includes supporting farmers with necessary equipments to enhance food security.

She added that with signing of contract agreement, Oyo State is one step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and enhancing food security.

Mrs. Owoeye therefore thanked the Federal Government and Development Partners; World Banks and Friench Development Agency.

In her remarks, the Oyo State Project Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Engr. Adeola Ekundayo urged the contractors to cooperate with stakeholders who will be monitoring their activities.

She also said Greviance Redress Committee on each of the roads have been constituted, according to the Project Implementation Manual which they will meet before commencement of civil works.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Shan Jingwu, a representative of CGC Construction company,commended RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company.

He promised that his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
January 24, 2025.