Tributes Pours in, as Secretary to Oyo Assembly Service Commission, Ogundipe Bows Out of Service

The Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission today showered encomium on its outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olanike Ogundipe, who formally bowed out of active service after a meritorious career in the State Civil Service.

The retirement programme organised, featured a special plenary session in honour of the  Permanent Secretary, was held at the Caucus Room of the Commission amidst glowing tributes from colleagues, staff, and invited guests. 

The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and nostalgia as speakers took turns to highlight her years of commitment, dedication, and selfless service to the Commission and Oyo State at large.

In his address, the Chairman,  Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Honourable Femi Julius Okedoyin, charged the entire workforce in the legislative arm of Government to remain dedicated and diligent in the discharge of their duties in order to enhance the achievement of set goals of  the present  Administration in the State. 

He described Mrs. Ogundipe as a woman of integrity, wisdom, and hard working, whose legacies would remain indelible in the annals of the Commission. 

He added that the Commission would continue to draw from her wealth of administrative knowledge, even after her retirement, to move the institution to the greater heights.

Delivering a short exhortation, Reverend Segun Olaoluwa of New Convent Church ,speaking from  the book of Exodus 7:12, stressed  the importance of divine help and thanksgiving as keys to unlocking greater blessings.

 He encouraged the celebrant to remain steadfast in her faith and charged others present to always put God at the centreter of their work and lives.

In his goodwill message, one of the Commissioners of the Commission, Honourable Moses  Ojoawo, urged staff of the Commission to continually improving themselves and embrace diligence as a lifestyle. 

According to him, Mrs. Ogundipe’s career is a clear testimony that consistency and hard work are always rewarded in due time.

Similarly, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Adenike Murana-Akinola, described the retiring Permanent Secretary as a humble, principled, and resourceful administrator whose leadership style positively influenced the Commission.

 She called on staff to emulate her virtues of dedication, loyalty, and resilience.

Other speakers at the event, including senior officials of the Commission and representatives of staff unions, poured encomium

on the celebrant, describing her as a mother figure, a dependable leader, and a mentor who always placed the growth of the institution above personal interest.

In her response, Mrs. Ogundipe expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Oyo State Government and Governor Seyi Makinde for giving her the opportunity to serve as Permanent Secretary before her retirement year.

 She further declared her appreciation to the leadership and staff of the Commission for their cooperation  while in office encouraged  them to continue working in unity and with a spirit of excellence. 

She urged younger officers to imbibe the virtues of patience, diligence, and humility, assuring them that dedication to duty always brings lasting reward.

Drugs, Internet Influence, Worse Threats to Youths – Oyelade

 

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of drugs and negative internet influences, warning that both vices have ruined many promising lives.

Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of Forge Camp 3.0, a mentoring outfit for 100 boys held at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, Oyelade described youthfulness as an exciting but vulnerable stage that often exposes young people to costly mistakes.

“Young people are always in a hurry to taste the good things of life, and in that process, they sometimes embrace both the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he said. “That is why genuine mentoring is important. Sadly, many of our youths now take guidance from partners in crime instead of positive role models.”

The commissioner identified drug abuse and wrong internet exposure as the most toxic threats facing today’s youths, stressing that both have thrown many families into chaos. He therefore charged parents to pay closer attention to what their children watch, read, and the company they keep.

 Oyelade encouraged youths to embrace mentoring and resist distractions, reminding them that God created everyone for a purpose. According to him, though life is full of challenges, young people are uniquely configured to overcome them and must strive to live lives free of indiscipline and vices.

“If you succeed, you are obeying God’s instruction, making your parents proud, and avoiding costly mistakes,” he said, urging the participants to be shining examples of success.

He also commended the Hope for Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC) for rehabilitating youths and discouraging them from drug addiction and other vices, describing its effort as “a noble but tough task.”

Declaring the camp open, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by Engineer Salam Adebayo, described the initiative as a vital step in preparing youths for a digital and sustainable future. He noted that the program aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reforms, including the recent distribution of tablets to 18,000 teachers to boost digital learning.

Addressing the 100 beneficiaries, Adebayo said: “You are indeed fortunate to be here. This experience will broaden your horizons, awaken your potentials, and the connections you make will last a lifetime.”

In her welcome address, the Executive director of Hope For Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC) Ibukunoluwa Otesile, stressed the need to give equal attention to both boys and girls in tackling crime, abuse, and moral decay. She explained that findings from her  research showed many sex offenders were once victims of abuse in childhood, underscoring the urgent need for early guidance counselling.

Otesile added that while advocacy for the girl child is vital, neglecting the boy child would worsen issues such as violence, substance abuse, and crime. She said Forge Camp was established to nurture children with strong values, discipline, and purpose so they can grow into responsible leaders capable of transforming the nation.

MAKINDE Will Rebuild PDP - MHR, Odidiomo

Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, has lauded Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as his “resilient and spirited leadership” in repositioning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for national relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olajide, who also serves on the Main Committee of the 2025 Elective National Convention of the PDP and is a member of the crucial Zoning Committee, stated this in Abuja, at the end of the 102nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. 

He praised the governor’s pivotal role in ensuring rancour free deliberations and a smooth zoning process, which he said reflects fairness and balance in the spirit of the party’s founding principles.

According to the lawmaker, Governor Makinde’s deft political management was instrumental in the zoning of the PDP presidential ticket to the South, a decision he believes will not only sustain internal cohesion but also reposition the party as a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Governor Seyi Makinde has shown again that he is not only a leader in Oyo State but also a stabilising force within the PDP nationwide,” Hon. Olajide stated. 

“His capacity to rally diverse interests and still ensure a rancour free process speaks volumes of his political maturity. The zoning outcome is fair, balanced and reflects the collective will of the party.”

He noted that the governor’s interventions were consistent with the vision of the PDP’s founding fathers, describing Makinde as the new face shaping the developmental politics of Nigeria.

Olajide emphasised that Engr. SEYI Makinde's track record in Oyo State, where he has combined infrastructural development with people centred governance, has become a model for what the PDP can offer at the national level, while maintaining that the governor’s rising national profile has placed him at par with reform minded leaders driving the evolution of a new political culture in Nigeria.

"Governor Makinde is not just the pride of Oyo State; he is a force the entire nation must reckon with in shaping the future of our democracy.” 

“The PDP under Makinde’s influence is demonstrating that it has the courage and determination to send the APC packing. What we are witnessing is a rebirth of the party, one anchored on equity, justice and performance,” the federal lawmaker said.

He urged party stakeholders nationwide to rally behind Makinde and other democratic voices within the PDP to sustain the momentum towards victory in 2027 across Nigeria, insisting that the party has “come to stay as the most organised and people driven political platform in Nigeria.”

Public Service Games: Present Your Appointment Letter and Passport Photograph, No Room for Outsiders, Says Oyo Head of Service

Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, the Head of Service for Oyo State, has encouraged Civil Servants participating in the ongoing Civil Service games to consistently bring their appointment letters and a passport photograph to confirm their status as legitimate employees of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. She emphasized that no external participants are permitted.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, the Head of Service reiterated that the public service games are exclusively for civil servants, and external participants are not allowed.

The Head of Service urged Civil and Public Servants to adhere to the rules and regulations of the competitions.

Meanwhile, the Security Sector Football Team emerged victorious in the ongoing Oyo State Public Service Games, defeating the Ministry of Education in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The match between the two sectors was held at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi GRA, Ibadan, as part of the activities commemorating the 2025 Public Service Week.

The Education Sector opened the scoring in the first half, but the Security team equalized, ending the half at 1-1. The second half saw neither team score, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

Both teams successfully converted their first five penalty kicks, but the Ministry of Education missed their fourth attempt, giving the Security team the opportunity to secure the victory. The Security sector converted the decisive penalty, achieving a 5-4 shootout victory and bringing the final score to 6-5.

In another match, the Judiciary Sector triumphed over the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Sector with a 6-0 victory. These encounters drew enthusiastic cheers from spectators, adding vibrancy to the week-long Public Service Week celebration.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

26, August, 2025

Public Service Games: Oyo Finance Sector Defeats Information and Communication Sector In 7-6 Penalty Shootout

The Oyo State Ministry of Finance Sector Football Team has emerged victorious over the Information and Communication Sector in a thrilling encounter at the ongoing Oyo State Public Service Games.

The keenly contested match, held at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi GRA, Ibadan, formed part of the activities marking the 2025 Public Service Week.

The finance Sector opened the scoring in the first half before the Information and Communication team equalised to end the half at 1-1. On resumption, finance Sector regained the lead with a second goal, but the Information and Communication Sector side quickly responded to level the score at 2-2 just minutes before full time.

With the match tied at regulation time, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. Both sides converted their first four spot kicks, but the Information and Communication Sector missed their fifth attempt, giving the Finance Sector team the opportunity to seal the victory. 

The Ministry of Finance Sector converted the decisive penalty to secure a 7-6 shootout win, bringing the final score to 7-6. 

The encounter, described as highly competitive and entertaining, drew cheers from spectators and added colour to the week-long Public Service Week celebration.

OYO GOVT CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING CONTINUOUS VOTER'S REGISTRATION

 

The Oyo State Government has called on residents of the state to come out en-masse  and Register in the ongoing Continuous Voters' Registration.

The Director General of Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), Dr Morohunkola Thomas stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan.

 He noted that in order to reduce the bottlenecks being encountered during registration, the Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC) will only attend to  fresh registrants who have not registered in their life before at various local government  offices of INEC in the state.

Dr Morohunkola Thomas  urged people with loss of permanent voters card (PVC), transfer of PVC as well as people with defaced PVC to register through this link:

https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.

In order to elect Leaders of their choice, the OYMASED DG urged residents to participate fully in the registration  process as elections draw near.

  

Pastor Olusola Aderoju ,CAC Oke Ayo Counsels Government on Socio Economics Problems

 

The federal Government has been called upon to address the problems of insecurity, inflation , unemployment  kidnapping , inflation  and other social vices for Nigeria to move forward .

The Senior Pastor of CAC Oke Ayo Iseyin , Pastor Paul Olusola Aderoju  who made the call at the annual Convention Thanksgiving Service of the Church  stressed the need for Nigerians to always do what is right and eschew all forms of criminalities and unrighteousness in the overall interest of  the country .

The Cleric commended  Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde for all the development projects across the State as he charged him to do more for security .

Pastor Paul Olusola Aderoju called on the members of the Church to be heavily focused noting that the only gain for everyone is to make heaven .

In a sermon,the guest minister and the President of CAC worldwide Pastor Dr Henry Ojo who anchored his sermon on the theme of the Convention Heaven: our final home  admonished  the congregation to serve God diligently ,forsake their sins and follow biblical precepts for the sake of eternal glory.

Pastor Henry Ojo  eulogized the leadership of the Church since thirty two years ago under Pastor Olusola Aderoju for making spiritual progress through pure evangelism and propagation of the gospel.

The  convention featured week-long activities and programmes including lectures , sporting activities and drama presentation and prayers.

CAC Oke Ayo Iseyin was established in1993 with various branches in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

Pastor Olusola Aderoju ,CAC Oke Ayo counsels government on socio  economics problems.