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The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has praised the Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, for organizing a successful Vocational Training program for 500 trainees drawn from the Local Government.

The Speaker gave the commendation while presenting certificates and working tools to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat, Idi Ayunre, Ibadan

The ceremony also featured presentation of distinguished Merit Awards to some outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have made positive impacts on Oluyole Local Government.

The 500 trainees graduates who undergone a 4-week skill and vocational Life Enhancement Training Programme acquired valuable skills in various areas, including Fabric & Souvenirs, Food Technology, Makeup & Gele tying, Home Essentials, Barbing & Dreadlocks, and Kampala making.

The event also recognized individuals and corporate organizations that have made a positive impact on Oluyole Local Government, highlighting the importance of community partnerships and collaborations.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, who was the special guest of honor at the event, expressed his admiration for the initiative

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin commended Engr. Akeem Olatunji for his leadership sagacity.

The Speaker said the Council boss had embarked on numerous initiatives and projects aimed at improving the lives of Oluyole residents.

“I want to specially appreciate the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji For the empowerment and vocational training programme. It is also laudable that the Local Government appreciated individuals who have impacted the council positively. This empowerment program and awards ceremony embody the kind of positive change expected from Local Councils.”

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin urged other local government chairmen to emulate Engr. Olatunji’s example.

I will like to acknowledge and recalle some of the remarkable achievements of Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji some of which include the construction of a Grade A Customary Court, empowerment of over 500 persons, and the establishment of an Amotekun base to enhance security in the area. Additionally, he successfully electrified the LG Secretariat and its environs, bringing light to the community after years of darkness.

“Other notable achievements are the construction of administrative offices for various agencies, rehabilitation of roads, and provision of free medical outreach, free eye treatment, and eye surgery for residents where over 500 residents received free eye treatment and glasses, while 20 individuals underwent free eye surgery for severe cataracts. These initiatives demonstrate Engr. Olatunji’s commitment to improving the lives of Oluyole residents and providing essential services to the community. This is really commendable. Well-done, Engr Akeem Olatunji.” Oyo Speaker said

The Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has joined numerous sympathizers in mourning the death of Mrs. Tinuade Ladoja, wife of former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Mrs. Ladoja passed away on Monday at 71 after a brief illness.

Describing Mrs. Ladoja as a loving and caring woman, Ogundoyin said, “Our Baba has lost a beautiful and loving soul. May her soul rest eternally. I am using this medium to sympathize with the entire Ladoja family on this loss.

To Oba Rashidi Ladoja and his entire family, I offer my sincerest condolences. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. May God grant Oba Rashidi Ladoja the strength to bear the loss” Oyo Speaker said

The Oyo state House of Assembly has commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde for embarking on various projects on infrastructural facilities across the State, urged him to continue in paying attention to critical local projects construction for betterment of Rural Communities.

This was part of resolves, following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the lawmaker representing Oyo East and West State Contituency, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman while calling attention of the legislators to the Collapsed Culvets at Sanga and Enuoroba, located at Oyo West Local Government Area of the State.

The Lawmaker revealed that the Sanga Culvet is a critical route connecting areas such as Iseke, Ojongbodu, Farade to the bustling Akesan Market which is an economic hub that serves as commercial centre for thousands of people in the Local Government area.

” The culvet has completely Collapsed, cutting off these communities from vital economic activities. I would like to emphasize that Enuoroba hosts a cluster of Gaari producers , whose operations significantly contribute to the local economy”

“The Collapse of Enuoroba Culvet has affected economic activities of local Gaari producers, significantly affecting the livelihood of many”

Hon. Olorunpoto explained that the current inaccessibility due to the Collapsed infrastructure has strained the daily lives of residents and hindering economic productivity.

He added that beyond the economic implication, the Collapse Sanga and Enuoroba Culvets also poses a public safety hazard, leaving thousands of residents isolated and disconnected from health care,education, and emergency services.

” It is therefore imperative that urgent intervention be made to reconstruct and repair the damaged infrastructure ” Hon. Olorunpoto added.

The House has however commended the efforts of the State Government for spreading the dividends of democracy to the nook and cranny of the Pacesetter State, urged the Chairman of Oyo West Local Government Area to put measures in place to provide alternative routes for Communities and traders pending the Reconstruction of the Collapsed Culvets.

The House has however adjourned its plenary sitting till Wednesday, 16th of October, 2024.

Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has emphasized the need for continuous legislative reforms to achieve and sustain effective governance in Nigeria.

The Chairman spoke on Tuesday at the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) programme closeout and dissemination event in Abuja.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin highlighted the successes of the PERL program, which has fostered a culture of collaboration, accountability, and transparency in governance over its 8-year journey [1).

“The PERL program has achieved remarkable milestones, including strengthening the capacity of State Houses of Assembly, supporting landmark legislation, enhancing public participation, and promoting transparency and accountability.”

He noted that building on PERL’s successes, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in governance reforms, focusing on sustaining and scaling up the program’s achievements.

Speaking on some of the key reforms, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin stressed that autonomy was vital for promoting federalism and ensuring representative democracy.

According to him, when State Houses of Assembly are autonomous, they will perform oversight functions effectively, represent their constituents rightly, and ensure power devolution to grassroots levels.

He emphasized that further legislative reforms are crucial for strengthening democratic institutions, addressing emerging challenges, promoting transparency, and accountability.

While calling for full financial autonomy for all State Assemblies, the Conference Chairman noted that many countries have successfully implemented autonomy for their sub-national legislatures.

Rt. Hon.Ogundoyin assured that negotiation and consultation will continue to ensure more states comply with the constitutional provision on financial autonomy for State Legislatures in Nigeria.

He expressed gratitude to the PERL team and staff for their dedication and expertise in driving governance reforms in Nigeria.

In a significant move to combat deforestation and climate change, a youth-led advocacy group, Plant A Decade Initiative (PADI) has partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Oyo State chapter, and planted 103 economic trees at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Iseyin, Iseyin Lg, Oyo State. The event, aimed at addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15, Climate Action and Life on Land, respectively, by responding to the pressing environmental issues in the region, featured a tree planting exercise and a comprehensive climate education talk to raise awareness among Nigerians on climate action and advocacy in Nigeria.

The tree-planting initiative, held at the NYSC camp in Iseyin, saw active participation from the State Coordinator for NYSC Oyo State chapter, Comrade Odoba Abel Oche, the Executive Chairman of Iseyin local government, Hon. Rasaq Bisi Fadiran, Camp manager, Directors, youth corps members, media organizations, and environmental enthusiasts. Idowu Anuoluwapo Ezekiel, the lead initiator of PADI and a seasoned broadcaster, led the event with an impassioned speech. He emphasized the critical role of youth in the climate change discourse, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures against the alarming rate of deforestation in Oyo State.

“The rate of deforestation in Oyo State is abysmal and requires urgent action, not just mere talks,” Anuoluwapo stated. He elaborated on the dire consequences of continued deforestation and the importance of reforestation efforts to mitigate climate change impacts. Anuoluwapo also pointed out that youth engagement in environmental conservation is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the region.

Meanwhile, the event not only focused on planting 103 tree seedlings but also included an educational segment where Corps members and officials were informed about the broader aspects of climate change and the importance of advocacy. While warmly receiving the team, the State Coordinator, Comrade Odoba Abel Oche appreciated the youths’ effort in modeling a commendable course aimed at equipping the youth with the knowledge and motivation needed to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.

PADI’s partnership with NYSC signifies a collaborative approach to tackling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13- Climate Action and 15- Life on land at the grassroots level. The successful planting of 103 economic trees is a testament to the power of community involvement and the pivotal role of youth in driving climate action. The PADI vanguards expressed hope that the initiative would inspire similar projects across Nigeria, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the country, as captured in the objectives of PADI, which is to plant 10,000 trees and bridge the information gap on Climate education in Nigeria.

By Oyeniyi Esan

The Oyo State House of Assembly under the leadership of Hon. Debo Ogundoyin has waded into Sumal violent protest,  condemned the poor working conditions of workers and constitute committe to investigate into the matter as a bid to protect the interests of Oyo residents, business owners and workers.

This motion was brought forward by Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, calling for immediate investigation of the unfortunate claimed lives and injured many at Yale 3 Branch of Sumal Food Limited, oluyole Industrial Estate,  and equally challenging the poor working conditions of Oyo residents at various industries across the state.

According to the motion, “Notes with deep concern the alarming rate at which multinational companies, particularly in Ibadan, are maltreating Nigerians and neglecting their welfare. Recall the tragic death of a 21-year-old University of Ibadan student, Gbadebo Richard, who fell into a soap-making machine at a factory owned by Henkel Nigeria Limited, makers of WAW detergent and bar soap, in July 2020. Gbadebo, a 300-level student of European Studies at University of Ibadan, was on a holiday job the factory in Oluyole, Ibadan, due to the COVID-19 school closures. Shockingly, he fell into a making machine and his death went unnoticed until blood was seen coming out of the machine.

“Further notes that a similar unfortunate incident occurred at the British American Tobacco Company, Ibadan, where a Nigerian casual worker died from exposure to nicotine and tobacco materials, and no action was taken. These distressing incidents happen regularly in various industries, particularly in those owned by Lebanese nationals in Ibadan. My Speaker, on Monday, 1 July, 2024, a dreadful incident of assault, killing, and maahardling occurred at “Yale 3″ branch of Sumal Foods Limited, producer of Yale biscuits and a range of other snacks in Oluyole Industrial Estate in Ibadan South West Local Government Area,two persons reportedly died and several others sustained injuries from live bullets fired by Nigerian Police officers and Operation Burst personnel”.

“Aware that the workers of this food processing company were holding a peaceful protest over their poor working conditions, the neglect of injured workers, and the alleged misappropriation of food palliatives by top management. The workers’ grievances included unsafe working conditions, lack of helmets and safety boots, and being treated like slaves. One worker described the working conditions as akin to “heilfire.” The situation escalated around 3:15 pm when an expatriate manager called for security reinforcement, allegedly spreading false information about workers rampaging the facility. This led to trigger-happy officers firing live bullets, resulting in two deatns and filling the environment with tear gas and bullets.

“Further aware that one of the victims, Bode, was a student from Lagos, seeking to earn money before returning to continue his education. His dreams were tragically cut short, leaving his colleagues in severe pain. Over time, numerous petitions, complaints, and discussions have highlighted the unruly behavior of many expatriates on Nigerian soil, who mistreat casual workers, underpay them, and subject them to poor working conditions. This situation is deeply saddening and requiring urgent attention”.

“The Committees on Employment, Labour, Productivity and Pension and Security, and Strategy to summon the management of Sumal Food Limited, the representatives of the workers’ Union with a view to unraveling the remote and immediate cause of the incidence and ensure that the injured workers are duly compensated and cared for at the expense of the company”.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has felicitated with its Speaker, Rt.Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin on receiving the Best Performing Speaker Award bestowed on him at the Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards 2024, saying the Speaker has made all members of the state assembly and by extension Oyo state proud

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the members of the House by the Chairman House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Hon. Waheed Akintayo and made available to newsmen.

The statement recalled that the award which was presented to the speaker during the Nigeria Middle East Investors Expo & Awards ceremony held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

According to the statement, the award was an attestation to Hon. Ogundoyin’s outstanding leadership qualities which are largely responsible for the harmonious relationship existing between the Legislative arm and Executive arm of Government in Oyo state.

The statement added that this leadership qualities which Hon. Ogundoyin possess have also reflected in the way he is leading his colleagues across the country as the the Chairman of Conference of Speakers of state legislatures of Nigeria.

While promising not to relent in their unwavering support and cooperation with Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s leadership style in the House, the lawmakers wished him more laurels as he continues to discharge his legislative duties for the overall development of Nigeria in general, Oyo state and his immediate constituency in particular

The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on Thursday unveiled the legislative agenda for the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly.

The Governor performed the official launch of the document shortly after presenting his State of the State address at the special sitting to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Assembly at the Parliament Building, Secretariat Ibadan.

Governor Makinde said the Legislative Agenda was a good development as it helps in giving direction to the Assembly on its set objectives.

According to the Governor, this would further help in enhancing the activities and programmes of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly

” I am happy to unveil the Legislative Agenda for the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly. This is a good development for members of the Assembly under the leadership of the Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin. It has outlined what the Assembly plans to do and achieve, and how it plans to go about achieving them. I therefore wish to commend the Oyo State House of Assembly for working in tandem with the agenda of the present administration which is aimed at enhancing the living standards of the people.”

Earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin told the Governor that the Legislative Agenda was drafted for the purpose of making people oriented laws, resolutions and effective oversights.

” We are happy to capture our legislative priorities and goals in one document. This is the direction the House intends to take to achieve its set goals. It will assist us to take our legislative assignments seriously “

By Oyeniyi Esan

The National Association of Nigerian Comrades (NANC), South West Leadership, under the leadership of Comrade Adedoyin Olakunle Stephen, condemns the unlawful, unprofessional, and barbaric invasion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Signature Elixir and Alba Royal Club in Alagbaka GRA, Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday, 8th June 2024 respectively.

This was disclosed in a press statement made available to the general public on Monday that in the early hours of the morning, approximately 3 am, officers from the EFCC Zonal Office in Ibadan stormed these business premises in a crude and uncivilized manner.

“The raid resulted in indiscriminate beatings, destruction of properties, physical injuries, and the removal of personal belongings such as jewelry and wristwatches from patrons. This egregious conduct was not only highly indecent and primitive but also a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of innocent citizens present at the lounges.

“As a professional body committed to upholding the rule of law and defending the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens, we are, officers. The flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of individuals, the owners of the business premises, and those present during the raid must be addressed and rectified by the EFCC.

“While we staunchly oppose cybercrimes and financial crimes, and have consistently collaborated with the EFCC to advocate for a crime-free society, the manner in which this raid was conducted is unacceptable. The destruction observed during a personal visit to the scene shortly after the incident is both devastating and alarming.

Nigeria is a society governed by law, where the dignity of human persons and the right to own property are protected by the Constitution. The commando-style invasion, destruction of properties, and humiliation of people are uncivilized and unacceptable in a lawful society.

The statement equally read in part, “NANC South West Leadership demands that immediate investigation and dismissal of all officers involved in this raid if found culpable. We equally send strong warning to the EFCC officers in the entire South West to desist from such unprofessional conduct, and we want thorough investigation into the theft of mobile handsets, necklaces, wristwatches, and the use of sticks to beat individuals who did not resist arrest. We equally demand an official apology to the owners of the business premises for the unwarranted destruction of their properties. It is important to note that . Proper compensation should be given to the owners of the business premises and all individuals whose properties were destroyed or stolen during the raid.

“We urge the EFCC to act swiftly and appropriately. Failure to address these grievances will compel us to pursue all legitimate means available under the law to seek justice for the affected persons”.

Lawmaker representing, Oluyole State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka) has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde through the State Ministry of Education to reintroduce the practice of school gardens in both Government and private schools/institutions across Oyo State as a means of boosting food security in the State.

Hon. Waheed Akintayo Ilumoka made the appeal shortly after presenting a motion on the floor of the House on the need to embrace the resuscitation of school gardens in both public and private schools and institutions in Oyo State

He noted that the cultivation of school gardens was the priority of Government, schools management and the entire students in the past as large potions of school lands were used to cultivate various crops such as yam, cassava, maize, vegetables and beans.

The Lawmaker who enjoined the State Government to provide necessary logistics and support for the reintroduction and sustenance of school gardens to enhance this practice, advocated a day to be set aside each week in schools for agricultural practicals on the school farms.

This, he added would encourage the students to take interest in farming while same will be replicated in each household where gardens will be cultivated for domestic consumption.

“In the past, every school used to have large portions of land for cultivation. The students had spaces allocated for them to plant a particular type of crop which would be effectively monitored by teachers and Agric prefects. In those days, each school had a designated day within the school hours for agric practicals which would enable all students to assemble and work on the school Gardens. When matured, the crops would be sold, given out to teachers or staff or sold to the local markets as source of IGR for the school. It will interest Hon. Colleagues to note that some of the proceeds from the sales of the farm produce from the school gardens were usually used for purchase of some instructional materals for Schools, equipped libraries with books, bought laboratory equipment, and at times used for celebration of end of the year party for teachers and students.

“There is no doubting the fact that, the importance of school gardens is provision of foods and inculcation of agricultural practices in students. Aware that in the past two (2) decades, the practice and habit of cultivation of school gardens by public and private schools in Oyo state had gone into extinction. The most dishearting aspect of it is that most students of primary and secondary schools nowadays do not have simple agricultural knowledge of farming. Some have the orientation or mindset that yams for instance are plucked from trees. This is unfortunate.”

“Concern that, in addressing the food shortage that has plunged the country and states into famine and food crisis in the recent times, It is advisable for Government and other Stakeholders in the education sector in both public/private primary and secondary schools as well as other educational institutions to go back to the drawing board by reintroducing and embracing the practice of school gardens through cultivation of different Agricultural crops. By so doing, It is believe that each household will definitely imbibe the spirit of having House garden to cultivate crops for domestic consumption.”

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin says the signing of the Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency Bill, 2024 into law by Governor Seyi Makinde is timely and will improve service delivery and ensure projects are completed on time.

The Speaker gave the commendation shortly after witnessing the signing of the Bill on Thursday at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

” It was a great honour for me to witness the signing into law of the Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency Bill, 2024 by His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde.

“This is a further attestation to the avowed resolve of the present administration in Oyo State to monitor and evaluate consultants and projects performance level based on delivery, time and contractual agreements with Government.

“The quest for value for money in Government activities especially for projects executed and contracts approved by the State Government led to the creation of this Agency. This will put an end to a large number of erstwhile uncompleted and abandoned projects in the State. Hence the importance of Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency cannot be underscored.” Oyo Speaker said.

He reiterated that the Agency will ensure efficient and effective programmes and projects implementation.

The Speaker congratulated the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Engr Open Salawu who is going to head the Agency, and charged him and his team to ensure continuous feedback to Government on its various projects.

” I will like to use this medium to congratulate the Executive Assistant to His Excellency on Project Monitoring, Engr. Open Salawu who is going to head the Agency, and the other team members, and charge them to justify the confidence reposed in them by working to improve contractors performance and ensuring timely and effective execution of projects across the State.”

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Jim Osayande Obazee as a special investigator to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which appears to be a further setback for suspended governor Godwin Emefiele. President Bola Tinubu has appointed Jim Osayande Obazee as a special investigator to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which appears to be a further setback for suspended governor Godwin Emefiele.

Obazee, who was removed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, probed the CBN during Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s term. His probe discovered substantial wrongdoing at Nigeria’s central bank, and his recommendation led to Sanusi’s suspension by former President Goodluck Jonathan in February 2014.

Meanwhile, Obazee’s appointment is effective immediately, and he will report directly to the president. President Tinubu stated in his appointment letter dated July 28, 2023, that the special investigator would also work on a complete report on public wealth now in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments. headtopics.com