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Tag: Gov. Seyi Makinde

Trade Union Leaders Declare Support for Makinde
No fewer than Sixty (60) trade unions and groups in Oyo State have pledged their support for Governor Seyi Makinde led-administration, saying that he had in the last two years shown purposeful leadership.
They pledged their support for the Governor during a meeting held at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan yesterday.
The coalition, represented by leaders of different trade groups in the State highlighted several developmental projects embarked upon by the State Governor, adding that the Governor has not reneged in his promises to residents of the State.
The groups, under the aegis, Progressive Artisans Association led by Alh. Salaudeen Kamorudeen said all leaders of Associations present had unanimously agreed to work for the present administration’s success.
They vowed to work with their members in propagating the developmental projects of Governor Seyi Makinde led administration and to key into the concept of canvassing for Governor Makinde’s success.
He promised that each leader will support and key into the ‘political evangelism’ campaign of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, as canvassers in their respective associations.
Speaking further, Alh. Kamorudeen said the unions are not unmindful of the various road construction and rehabilitations going on in the State.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde on the construction of major highways in the State, adding that these, among other policies have boosted the State’s internally generated revenue.
He asserted that their support for the Governor’s continuity was borne out of their impression on the various developmental projects carried out by the Makinde-led administration.
He further commended the Governor for providing the State with healthcare facilities, adding the Governor’s Agribusiness drive in the State has been commendable.
Speaking with the groups, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun thanked them for their support towards the present administration in Oyo State, saying that the rapid transformation in Oyo State is unprecedented.
Olatunbosun reiterated the successes in the Agricultural, Educational and Health sectors of the state, describing Makinde’s administration as a populist themed Government.
Olatunbosun disclosed that his office has embarked on “Political-evangelism”, where he will further reach out to different groups and Artisans in support of Governor Makinde’s second term.
He allayed fears of residents in Oyo State on the purported abandonment of some roads; hinting that the government will re-embark on massive road development after the rain.
The groups include the Nigeria Union of Tailors, Association of Professional Wedding and Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria; Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN; Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Motorcyclists Association, Sawmill and Timbers Association.
Others are Association of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN); Beautician and Hairdressers Association of Nigeria, Technicians Association; National Painters Association of Nigeria; All Agricultural Product Association of Nigeria; Panel Beaters Association, Oyo State chapter; Market Women among others.
November 13, 2021
Makinde Commends Nigerian Air Force for Keeping Oyo Safe
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its unalloyed cooperation in keeping Oyo State safe, pledging that his administration would continue to work with the Force and other security agencies to fight insecurity in the state.
The governor, who stated this while receiving the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, and his team, during a courtesy visit to his office, added that the state has been enjoying a cordial relationship with the Air Force.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor equally reiterated his commitment to upgrading the Ibadan Airport, noting that plans were in top gear by the state government to extend the runway from the current 2.7 kilometres to 3.3 kilometres to enable bigger aircrafts to land.
The governor added that his administration would continue to expand the footprints of the Nigerian Air Force in the state, adding that the Force would be well supported through a special support fund under his office in next year’s budget.
He said: “We are happy with the cooperation that we have enjoyed from the Air Force in Oyo State. Thanks to Air Commodore S. Peter, who is a member of the Oyo State Security Council and who has always provided useful counsel; and, infact, we are having a meeting right after this courtesy visit.
“We are excited that we are expanding the footprint of the Nigerian Air Force here with the planned Airforce Base and whenever the Chief of Air Staff is ready, we are ready to do the groundbreaking.
“We just constituted the Oyo State Executive Council and we have a new Commissioner for Lands and Urban Planning, and one of his tasks is to ensure that compensation is paid for the land we are providing for the base.
“Also, I have in our next year’s budget under my office, a special fund we can use to support this kind of programme.”
Makinde added that as part of his government’s efforts to upgrade the Airport, all roads leading to the facility have been awarded for construction, noting that the government has equally awarded the contract for the building of a fuel dispensing facility in the Airport.
“We are excited about that possibility and we are also currently doing some projects around the Airport. All the roads leading to the Airport have been awarded and we are just waiting for the contractors to mobilise to sites. We have also awarded the contract for the fuel dispensing facility at the Airport.
“We are doing everything here to ensure that the Airport is fully upgraded and we also have the project to extend the runway from the current 2.7 kilometres to 3.3 kilometres so that bigger aircrafts can land in there.
“So, we are happy to have you here and equally pledge that we will continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Oyo State,” he said.
The governor, who maintained that the country had been going through a difficult period and that the current set of leaders of our country has been quite challenged, said the names of members of the Armed Forces would be written in gold for their efforts in stemming the tide of insecurity at this point in the nation’s history.
Earlier in his remarks, Ohwo, commended the leadership style of Makinde, saying he was impressed by the infrastructural projects being carried out in the state.
“I am here and want to use this opportunity to thank you for everything you have been doing. I commend your leadership style. I passed through many roads and saw the impressive transformation in the infrastructure projects. So, I am impressed with your administration,” the Air Vice Marshal said.
He further appreciated the governor for the support he has given the Force so far, including the piece of land for the Air Force Base, new school building, transformer and other equipment donated by his government.
He, however, assured that the Air Force would be willing and ready to contribute its quota to ensure that the south-west and, specifically, Oyo State was safe.
October 20, 2021
Makinde Unveils Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday flagged off the conduct of the sixth edition of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in the state.
Makinde, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Professor Musibau Babatunde, in Ibadan described the statistics as a veritable tool to achieve analytical ideas for development.
He added that the survey would support the ongoing efforts of the Seyi Makinde led administration in Oyo state to prepare its development plan and to track the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the five-point agenda of the present administration.
The objectives of the Survey are to provide up-to-date statistical information on the conditions of children and women in Nigeria and specifically on child’s right; provide data for SDG reporting and the African Union Agenda 2063 monitoring; provide reliable data for immunization coverage of children aged 0 to 47 months for both the basic vaccination and complementary antigens, and determine obstacles to utilization of routine immunization services.
The governor asserted that the data achieved from the MICS will enable the State to assess its current position and also enable it to project into the future in the context of the twenty-year development plan of the State.
Furthermore, he said the survey will help to formulate socio-economic policies that will address the needs of households, basic educational development, child and maternal health, reproductive health, among others.
In his remarks, the State’s Statistician General, Adekunle Ajuwon, lauded the programme, adding that the present administration’s commitment to collation of data is commendable.
He noted that the rate of out-of-school children has reduced drastically, due to the conduct of past surveys in Oyo state.
Ajuwon also said that the Survey analysis will reveal the living conditions in Oyo State using critical household indicators factors that will determine the needs and actualization of the society.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Zonal Coordinator and State Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Arowolo, affirmed the collaboration of UNICEF with the state Government to achieve evidence-based analysis.
He said the survey would be carried out in selected enumeration areas in the state.
September 2, 2021
Alao-Akala, others laud Makinde for remodelling Lekan Salami Stadium
Some eminent Nigerians have commended Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for remodelling the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan.
They spoke in their remarks at the inauguration of the remodelled stadium on Wednesday night in Ibadan.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar unveiled the plaque at about 6.15 p.m. to mark the official opening of the complex.
Commenting, former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, also an APC chieftain in the state, commended Makinde for remodelling the stadium to a befitting edifice.
He advised Makinde to ensure that maintenance of the remodelled complex was giving utmost priority.
“If I am to give any advice, I will just say they should permanently give this facility to someone to maintain.
“Our maintenance culture is very poor.
“So, for it not to deteriorate and get out of hand again, we have to engage somebody who will continually maintain it,” the former governor said.
Alao-Akala said he was at the event as an elderstatesman, who had also served the state in such capacity.
The former governor said he owed the state a duty of participating in anything that has to do with the development and progress of the state.
Also, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, who represented Oyo Central Senatorial District in the senate, commended Makinde’s efforts at remodelling the stadium.
Sunmonu said that the stadium would not only provide a platform for nurturing talented youths, but boost the state’s revenue base.
“This is a gigantic project, which I believe, would boost the IGR of the state.
“We will have footballers and teams coming from different countries for their international matches in Ibadan,” she said.
Our correspondent reports that residents and sports enthusiasts across the 33 local government areas of the state thronged Adamasingba in their thousands early in the day.
In evening, they defied the heavy rain to catch a glimpse of the new face of the once abandoned stadium.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Atiku, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki of Edo, former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja.
Others were Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, Mr Segun Odegbami and hosts of ex-internationals.
Our correspondent reports that the inauguration featured an international friendly match between the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), also known as Oluyole Warriors, and the NK Tabor Sezana, a Slovenian League side.
The match, played on Wednesday night under the glittering flood lights and amidst downpour, ended 4-0 in favour of the host, Oluyole Warriors.
Our correspondent also recalls that the development plans of Lekan Salami Stadium, formerly known as Adamasingba Complex, began in 1976 during the administration of Retired Gen. David Jemibewon, as the Military Governor.
The sports complex built on 130,000 square metres of land, formerly occupied by Ibadan Race Course, was opened on May 28, 1988.
It is the home base of 3SC, and was renamed in 1998 as Lekan Salami Stadium in honour of Chief Lekan Salami by the then Military Administrator, Col. Ahmed Usman.
September 2, 2021
Governor Makinde Dissolves Cabinet
The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the dissolution of the state’s Executive Council.
Those affected include the Chief of Staff (CoS) and 17 Commissioners.
The Cabinet was constituted on August 14, 2019, following Makinde’s victory in the March 9, 2019, election.
The remaining Council members who were not affected include the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service (HOS), and the Director-General of Due Process office.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Makinde announced the dissolution of the Executive Council after a meeting of the body on Tuesday, which lasted about five hours.
Governor Makinde, according to the statement, expressed the gratitude of the government and the people of Oyo State to the Council members and wished them well in their future endeavours.
The governor equally praised the dedication to duty and the commitment of the council members to the cause of taking Oyo State from Poverty to Prosperity.
The statement said: “His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council, with effect from Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
“Governor Makinde, after a prolonged meeting of the Council, told members it was time to retool after two years.
“He, therefore, wished the ex-Commissioners the best in their future endeavours.”
June 29, 2021
Jubilation as Makinde raises Oyo State NYSC monthly allowance to N15,000
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has increased the monthly allowance of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the state to N15,000 from N5,000.
Makinde made the disclosure on Thursday at the NYSC camp, Iseyin.
The announcement, one day after he reduced the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) tuition fees, sent the graduates into jubilation.
In a tweet, Makinde assured them that the issues raised by the NYSC State Commandant would be addressed.
The governor disclosed that it was during his youth service in Port Harcourt that he got a job and met his wife.
“I am an example of how the national youth service could foster national integration. I wished them the best for the future.”
In 2019, Makinde increased the monthly allowance from N4,000 to N5,000, during an induction programme for Batch ‘B’ Streams I & II.
June 4, 2021
Ibadan Inland Dry Port: Do Not Lose Project To Neighbouring State, Mhr, Akande-Sadipe Warns Makinde
…says my sweat & Ajimobi’s support secured project
The Member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency & Chairman House of Representative Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe K. has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State not to lose the Ibadan Inland Dry Port to Ogun State.
Akande-Sadipe who was a Special Adviser on Projects and Public-Private Partnership to late Senator Ajimobi said that her sweat and the support of her late boss secured the Ibadan Inland Dry Port.
Revealing how the project was conceptualized by her, the lawmaker said “The idea sprung up on a visit to Lagos to see my mother, the traffic from trucks queuing to get into the Apapa ports led to the brainwave that this could be another economic opportunity for Oyo State, which had an advantage based on its geographical position and the new train line from Lagos. Knowing that this would further stir up the economic revival in our beloved Oyo State. I approached the Governor with the idea and he gave his consent to commence the leg work.”
“I contacted Mr. Hassan Bello led Shippers Council through Mr. Anifowoshe who was based in the Ibadan office in 2018 and extensive talks about decongesting Lagos by setting up an Inland Dry Port in Oyo began.”
The rationale for Olorisha Oko was based on its location as the point where the first phase of the new train line from Lagos to the North passing through Ibadan would terminate. That way, containers could be shipped by train from, Lagos ports to Ibadan and further on with the completion of other stages of the project, as is the case in developed Nations. I and my Bureau of Investment Promotions and Project Office team most especially Mr. Kunle Olusina with the support of our principal Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi worked tirelessly to make it a reality”, She spoke.
“I put so much effort into making the inland dry port a reality, my sweat and support from Ajimobi secured the Federal government approval of the project during the administration of Koseleri Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. I therefore appeal to the current PDP led State Government not to play politics with the socio-economic development of Oyo State”, she added.
The lawmaker noted that the Inland Dry Port would bring about 24,000 direct new jobs and also attract new investors and big corporations to take advantage of the free trade zone. We all know what that will mean to the youths of Oyo State – Job creation, both blue and white-collar
Hon Tolulope Akande-Sadipe further emphasised her worry about losing the project to Ogun State over the delays since the change of administration. She further urged the current administration to do more about road infrastructure to alleviate the worries of the increased traffic expected from the Port operation as it has not done enough in terms of road infrastructure, unlike the neighbouring state where Governor Dapo Abiodun, has embarked on and completed many road projects.
The project had gone far with the bidding closed with a successful selection of a concessionaire developer in line with Federal government laws and regulations governing Public-Private Partnership Procurement. Sequel to which the project was adjudged viable thus bankable and had been issued an OBC compliance certificate by the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission in line with the 2005 ICRC Act.
She gleefully prayed that progress will be made as she looks forward to attending the opening ceremony as a proud daughter of Oyo State.
June 1, 2021
Makinde Swears In 32 Newly Elected LG Chairmen In Oyo
The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has asked the 32 newly-elected chairmen of Local Government Councils in the state to replicate the people-oriented policies and good governance being implemented at the state level at the grassroots.
Makinde stated this on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony for the local government chairmen which held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
While congratulating all the newly-elected chairmen, the governor admonished them to make the people at the grassroots feel their presence in terms of development and good governance, adding that they must bear in mind that they would be held accountable at the end of their tenure.
“To the newly elected and sworn-in Local Government Chairmen, let me state that you have the opportunity to deliver good governance to the people of Oyo State,” the governor was quoted as saying via a statement issued by his spokesman, Taiwo Adisa.
“We cannot over emphasize the importance of governance at the grassroots. The people of Oyo State must feel your presence by way of development and good governance. Just as they are holding me accountable, they will also hold you accountable. I will, therefore, advise that you replicate the good governance initiatives at the state level at the grassroots level.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won all the 32 Chairmanship seats in the local government election held on Saturday.
The oath of office was administered to the chairmen by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Munta Abimbola, at an event attended by top government and party functionaries.
Makinde said that he is confident that the election in the remaining local government, Ido Local Government, where election was rescheduled because of the missing Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) logo on the ballot, will be won by the PDP
He maintained that the election held on Saturday was free and fair and that it was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that the people of the state have elected their representatives.
The governor added, “You are the real winners in this process, as you can rightly say that you have elected your representatives. The process was free and fair and in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As you may know, the Constitution only allows for the election of officials into the 33 local government areas of the state. Also, the Constitution provides that all registered political parties who field candidates can stand to be elected. And so, having allowed all parties to field candidates, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has conducted these elections and have declared all 32 candidates here winners in their respective local government areas.
“On this note, I now pronounce the 32 Local Government Chairmen inaugurated to the glory of God and for the benefit of the good people of Oyo State.”
May 24, 2021
#EndSARS protests: Gov. Makinde inaugurates N500m compensation fund
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has inaugurated a N500 million compensation fund for victims of injustice during the #EndSARS protests in the state.
Makinde made this known in Ibadan on Monday during a post-protest meeting held with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state.
The governor urged those who had suffered any form of injustice in the past or as a result of the #EndSARS protests, to take advantage of the platforms provided to log in their cases.
He noted that a Judicial Panel of Enquiry would be inaugurated in the next one week to look into cases of injustice meted out to the people.
“We know that the protests have been a result of anger among youths.
“We are aware of the economic situation, especially the reduced income of many due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also unemployment situation in the country,” he noted.
Makinde said that he had directed that a N500 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Fund be set up.
He said that the fund would be disbursed to youths who had bright entrepreneurial ideas that would provide further employment and improve the economic landscape of Oyo State.
The governor said: “I have directed the employment of 5,000 young persons across all government agency schemes over the next few months.
“The criteria for employment and the dates for assessment will be announced by the agency authorities.
“Going forward, starting from 2021, there will be provisions for the Direct Labour Agency in the budget.
“This will ensure more employment opportunities for residents who have requisite skills when projects are awarded.
“We will be proceeding with the fifth phase distribution of palliatives by the end of this week, having completed the verification of the individuals that are qualified for them.”
The governor gave the people of the state an assurance that his administration would continue to prioritise actions that would have positive impact on the youth.
Speaking on the purpose of the stakeholders’ meeting, Makinde said the meeting was not called to apportion blame or do a post-protest analysis but to chart a way forward by rubbing minds together.
He thanked the people of the state for their cooperation during the #EndSARS protests.
“Even when thugs and hoodlums decided to cause mayhem in some parts of our dear state, some of you stood up and repelled them.
“We had so many people called the 615 Emergency Contact Number because they were not interested in the destruction of lives and property.
“Because of your actions, our losses, both human and material, were minimal,” he said.
He gave an assurance that all criminal elements that engaged in wanton destruction of lives and property would be dealt with.
Makinde urged members of the Nigeria Police working in the state to step up their responsibilities in protecting lives and property.
He noted that trust was low right now but you could quickly regain public trust through your professional conduct.
The DIG South-West Zone, Oyeleye Oyebade and Brig.-Gen. Soji Ogunsugba, Garrison Commander, 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army attended the stakeholders’ meeting.
Others that attended the meeting were the Caretaker Chairmen in the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade; and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Oyetunji attended the meeting.
All the stakeholders condemned the violence, destruction of lives and property that characterised the #EndSARS protests.
They, however, called on government and other authorities to rise up and do the needful for the development of youths.
October 26, 2020