Oyo NUJ Felicitates Ex-Union’s Chair Opadotun @62

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council on Thursday felicitated one of its former State Chairmen, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun who clocked 62years.

Opadotun, a two-term Chairman was one of the best performing leaders of the Union in its recent history.

A statement by the Council Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Ademola Babalola and Sola Oladapo respectively thanked Opadotun (a.k.a. Ekuro) for his worthy contributions to the Union.

The Union said, “Under his leadership, the Union built a new guest house; a library; a clinic amongst others with training and retraining of members alongside other welfarist programs for journalists in the State.”

According to the Union, Opadotun’s legacies of hardwork, sacrifice and dedication to the cause of unionism and freedom of the press would forever be remembered.

“As our leader, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun (Ekuro) clocks 62years today, it is our prayer that God should elongate his life and grant him the grace of many more years to continue to serve Him and humanity in general. 

“We laud his dedication and many achievements while his tenure lasted and pray that God should grant all his heart desires. Amen”.

OYSCHEST Conducts Successful Entrance Examinations

Provost Commends Stakeholders

The Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has successfully conducted its first batch of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Entrance Examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The Provost, Pharmacist Oluyemisi Oyewo, expressed satisfaction with the smooth and peaceful conduct of the exercise, commending the Admission Committee for a job well done. She also applauded the candidates for adhering to the rules and encouraged other qualified applicants to apply online or visit the College ICT Centre, as additional batches of the examination will be conducted.

The Admission Officer, Pastor Olugbemiga Makinde, appreciated the College Management for providing the necessary logistics and a conducive environment. He explained that candidates were tested in Basic Sciences, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and English Language.

He noted that the CBT was designed to select the best candidates, who would then proceed to an oral interview before being considered for provisional admission. Results were released immediately after the test, with printouts issued to candidates for the next stage of the admission process.

Some candidates who spoke with the College’s Public Relations and Media Unit expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

Interested applicants can still apply online via www.oyschst.edu.ng or visit the College ICT Centre, Eleyele, Ibadan, for more information on the ongoing admission exercise.

Oyo Govt, UNICEF Commission Solar-powered Borehole, Toilet Facilities in Three LGAs

 

The Oyo State Government in collaboration with the United Nations' Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commissioned newly completed solar-powered boreholes and toilet facilities at Egbeda, Ona Ara, and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas of Oyo State to improve sanitation and hygiene.

While commissioning the projects, the Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, emphasized the importance of the projects in advancing the health and socioeconomic well-being of rural dwellers. 

He said his agency and UNICEF are committed to expanding access to clean water and improving sanitation infrastructure in rural and peri-urban communities.

Afobaje explained that the facilities were constructed under a joint initiative by the Oyo State Government and UNICEF, aimed at delivering sustainable and inclusive water and sanitation services. 

Alhaji Afobaje reiterated that the commissioning is just one milestone in an ongoing effort to expand water and sanitation services across all 33 local government areas of the state.

He added that the solar-powered boreholes are designed to provide safe and clean drinking water to thousands of residents, while the gender-sensitive toilet facilities promote hygiene, dignity, and public health in the beneficiary communities.   

The Chairman noted that access to clean water and adequate sanitation is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development- particularly in underserved areas where such amenities are lacking.

He said, “This symbolic commissioning represents our government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen of Oyo State, regardless of location, has access to basic services like clean water and proper sanitation. These solar-powered boreholes and toilets are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and community-focused. We are not only solving today’s problems but building a healthier future.”

In his remarks, the General Manager, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Adeniyi Adeduntan, stated that the event marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation across Oyo State. 

He said the projects, undertaken by OYORUWASSA and UNICEF, are designed to directly address the pressing needs of rural communities and improve public health outcomes.

“The solar-powered boreholes will provide reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water, while the toilet facilities are part of our broader campaign to promote hygiene and end open defecation”, he said.

"Today’s commissioning is not just a celebration of infrastructure but a reaffirmation of our commitment to equity, dignity, and sustainable development for all. Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that the gains made here are preserved, maintained, and scaled across other communities in the state. Thank you all for being a part of this transformative journey.”

In his contribution, the UNICEF Consultant, Mr. Orimoloye Emmanuel, commended the agency’s ongoing efforts and collaboration with international partners, especially in enhancing access to safe water and promoting hygiene behavior change at the grassroots level.

His words, “The achievements we are witnessing today are a result of strong partnerships, dedicated leadership, and community involvement,” the consultant stated. “Oyo State is steadily becoming a model for integrated WASH interventions in Nigeria.”

Orimoloye emphasized the need for sustained political will and community ownership to maintain and scale the gains made. 

He urged local governments, traditional leaders, and civil society to prioritize long-term investments in WASH infrastructure and monitoring systems. “To ensure lasting impact, we must go beyond installations, we must foster a culture of maintenance, education, and inclusivity,” He added.

Community leaders, traditional rulers, and local government officials who attended the events expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, OYORUWASSA, and UNICEF for the intervention. 

They noted that the facilities would significantly reduce the burden of water scarcity and improve hygiene standards, particularly for women and children who are most affected by inadequate infrastructure.

They promised to take ownership of the facilities, ensure proper maintenance, and uphold hygienic practices.

Across the three local government areas, ten solar powered boreholes and eleven toilet facilities were commissioned.

MHR, ODIDIOMO Attends 20th Internet Governance Forum on Strategic Partnerships, Development

 

The chairman, House of Representatives committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, is among the foremost parliamentarians from across Africa, at the ongoing 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which commenced on June 23 at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrom, Norway, just outside Oslo. 

The hybrid format event, running through June 27, convenes over 2,000 international stakeholders, government officials, private sector executives, technical experts, civil society activists and academics, for a week of high level discussions under the theme “Building Governance Together”.

With a membership in the Parliamentary Track of the IGF, Hon. Olajide is expected to  participate in focused deliberations on digital policy, governance and regulatory frameworks tailored for African and global inclusion. 

The federal lawmaker who represents Ibadan North‑West/Ibadan South‑West federal constituency of Oyo state at the national assembly is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with key figures including the UN IGF Secretariat and representatives from the European Commission’s, DG CONNECT, as well as officials from various African parliaments and global ICT firms. 

These exchanges are aimed at securing strategic partnerships and investment opportunities for Nigeria’s emerging tech ecosystem.

The World IGF is convened annually under the auspices of the United Nations and serves as an open platform for dialogue among stakeholders on internet governance and digital development.

Ajimobi Truly Laid the Foundation for Oyo State’s Rebirth – Senator Yunus Akintunde

Senator Yunus Akintunde has described the two-term tenure of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a remarkable era filled with enduring achievements that laid the foundation for Oyo State’s ongoing development and transformation.

Reflecting on his time working closely with the late governor during his first term between 2011 and 2014 and afterwards as a close associate, Senator Akintunde noted that several of the projects and reforms initiated under Ajimobi's leadership set the state on a path of growth in infrastructure, governance, and public service delivery.

“Working with Governor Abiola Ajimobi offered me the opportunity to witness his depth, discipline, and capacity for quality governance,” Senator Akintunde said. “He brought a rare combination of private sector acumen and public service reform, introducing efficiency and structure to the system without compromising his principles.”

Senator Akintunde, who served as Commissioner for Works and later as Executive Assistant under the Ajimobi administration, described his experience as an eye-opener.

“I had the privilege of working with him directly and experienced his unique approach to governance—calm, focused, and deeply rooted in corporate principles. His reforms redefined the public service and laid the groundwork for the Oyo State we see today.”

He commended the current administration for sustaining many of the visionary reforms and development plans initiated during Ajimobi’s tenure.

“I appreciate the efforts of the present government in sustaining the momentum of value-driven governance—particularly in civil service reforms, human capacity development, and infrastructure improvement. These were key pillars of Ajimobi’s transformation agenda. He can rightfully be remembered as the Architect of the New Oyo State.”

Fondly recalling his leadership style, Senator Akintunde said, “‘Oga,’ as we affectionately called him, was meticulous, urbane, and a stickler for excellence. He attracted intelligent minds, maintained high standards, and had zero tolerance for waste and inefficiency.”

He added, “It is with a deep sense of nostalgia and emotion that we remember him. His presence is missed, especially in these times when his wisdom and experience would have been invaluable to both state and national development efforts.”

“As we mark his remembrance, may his soul continue to rest in perfect peace. His legacy endures and will continue to serve as a guiding light for aspiring leaders in our ever-evolving society.”

Kunle OLATUNJI

Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Yunus Akintunde the Distinguished Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District.

IBB Sought Maharaj Ji’S Help, He Got It And Turned - Around While In Government - Satguru Maharaj Ji

Founder Of One Love Family and the Living Perfect Master, Satguru Maharaj Ji in this interview, spoke about his relationship and encounter with former military president of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida among many salient issues. Excerpts:

Maharaj Ji, let's hit the ground running. Rumors say you had a close relationship with Ibrahim Babangida while he was military President of Nigeria. How true? 

Well, IBB was as close to me as any person who needed or needs my divine backing. 

Are you saying you backed IBB to do all he did to Nigeria? 

What did IBB do to Nigeria? He militarized the entire country, murdered many, looted the economy, sold Nigeria out to the likes of World Bank and IMF, and tore all that was left of the moral fabric of our society after years of European cultural pollution. No! I did not back IBB to do all that and the many other evils he unleashed on Nigeria as military President. 

So, what happened? What kind of backing did you give IBB? 

I expected IBB to have included his relationship with Maharaj Ji in his book, the one he recently launched in Abuja. Of course, the serpentine chameleon in him would not allow. IBB sought my protection. I am father to all. I am here to save lives without sentimental subjection on my part.

So, IBB asked for my help. I gave him my terms and conditions. I fulfilled my side of the bargain, that is why he was not overthrown or killed while in power. Ask him if he lived-up to the promise he made to me. I mean, the promise to lead Nigeria positively and progressively. Ask him!

So, you are saying IBB betrayed your trust?

Trust? Well, you may say so. He actually betrayed himself to qualify for a level of karmic consequences due to doers of extreme abominations. 

How do you mean? 

You see, IBB and his fellows know who Maharaj Ji is. If the struggling masses out there do not know who Maharaj Ji is, IBB and his co-riders in marathon evil who travel across the globe prostituting for spiritual power know who this person talking to you is. Nobody cheats or betrays Light and goes free. It is time for the world to ask IBB the role he played in the death of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. What about Thomas Sankara of Bukina-Faso? Lamidi Adedibu is breaking stones day and night in another dimension of existence as long-term punishment because of IBB. IBB hired him to organize the assassination of Maharaj Ji. I can go on and on.

Why did Maharaj Ji stop IBB from presiding over Nigeria after he turned his back on the promise he made? 

An emotional being will certainly feel bad and act the way you mentioned. Where one operates beyond emotion, it becomes clear to consciousness that a very critical factor in life and in general survival is Balance. The universe or the creation system; if you like, is designed to exist in a state of balance. The power or existential balance could be either adverse or positive. In the IBB case, the political-power-balance prevalent required that IBB be eased out of Aso Rock in 1993 without compromise to Nigeria's corporate existence. So, I opted to replace IBB with someone-else — a face not active in Nigeria's political circle. Unlike IBB, that person was equipped with Divine Knowledge by Maharaj Ji, but he was naive. He initially accepted my offer to have him to succeed IBB as interim President but he subsequently rejected the arrangement after his British friends played a clever one on him in London. He is late now. 

Who was that person? 

Abel Ubeku, ex-Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, I think. 

Really? So, how did Maharaj Ji protect IBB without equipping him with Divine Knowledge?

I gave him special shoes, special rings and special necklaces. Ask him, if he has any breathe of truth left in his lungs, he may admit it. It was after Abel Ubeku dropped the opportunity to serve as interim President of Nigeria that his colleague in corporate Nigeria, late Ernest Shonekan, was coincidentally chosen to serve in that capacity by the IBB group.

Well, Maharaj Ji, one thing those at the top hold dear is secrecy. My question is, will other highly placed Nigerians not be discouraged from coming to Maharaj Ji, knowing that they might be exposed by Maharaj Ji? 

Oh, that’s a very good question. I tell you this, secrecy is critical in life, in spirituality. He who cannot keep secret cannot grow, cannot be entrusted with high or big responsibilities. The IBB case is way different. People like IBB are ones who strip themselves of the garb of secrecy before any other person comes along to take the whole cloth off them. There are lots of well- placed or highly placed Nigerians who have received Divine Knowledge from Maharaj Ji. There are several who pay routine visits and who make frequently phone-calls. No one knows about them, and I certainly will not be the one to announce their friendship with Maharaj Ji. There are far more important things to be done for the safety and positive success of humanity like ensuring IBB does not snake his way to any place of high reckoning. The world needs to know who IBB actually is.

Why IBB? 

IBB sought Maharaj Ji's help. He got it and turned-around to not only dump the promise he made to Maharaj Ji to lead Nigeria properly, he went as far as plotting the assassination of Maharaj Ji. Lamidi Adedibu is late but his spirit is here with Me. IBB used Adedibu as head of the local team for the execution of the assassination plot that failed and caused Adedibu to leave us when and how he did.

You mean Adedibu died as a result of serving IBB (interrupts) 

Yes. My friend. There is a lot going on underground. Many unspeakable things have been perpetrated by people in high places to the extreme detriment of Nigeria. Ah! What about Abacha? If TB Joshua was alive today, he sure will not allow the truth about the game that took General Sanni Abacha's life to be exposed (interrupts).

 

Are you saying TB Joshua killed General Abacha?

I am saying that TB Joshua it was who used privileged private access to Abacha to convince Abacha to stop wearing the protective T-shirt I gave him. That was how they were able to get Abacha cheap. Once Abacha became spiritually exposed by dumping the shirt I gave him, the murder-plan designed against him by Western powers, using late Yasser Arafat as special deliverer of the substance and sisters that took his life was set to succeed!

How come IBB, whom you said used Adedibu to try to assassinate Maharaj Ji, is still alive not this agent — Adedibu, is dead? 

Another good question. You see, IBB will live to see Nigeria set on the path to glory physically before he goes. It is a vow I made to him after he dumped his promise to fix Nigeria. That which he refused to do for Nigeria, he will see happening right before his eyes before he goes to wherever.

Can you tell us about General Abacha's relationship with Maharaj Ji? 

General Sanni Abacha was a man of his words. Of course, he had personal weaknesses that caused the generation of the bad press that attended his tenure as Head of State. As far Maharaj Ji's relationship was concerned however, he was far better than IBB.

Can we go back to the King Fahd and Thomas Sankara issue? How was IBB involved in the death of both men? 

IBB is alive and competent enough to confess. Let me say briefly. You see, the feudal rulers of Nigeria, particularly the Anglo-Fulani Alliance, run a practice of subjugating and murdering strong and vocal Southern Nigerian elites with extremely heinous diabolical means. Ordinarily, what they do is to call the person's spirit to their demonic sanctum in Sokoto where they kill him off spiritually. Of course, once that happens, the Southerner dies shortly afterwards. Where the man's spirit proves too strong to be cracked in Sokoto, they move the project to Saudi Arabia. It was in the course of one of such trips to Saudi Arabia to crack Maharaj Ji's spirit that the King Fahd matter happened.

Maharaj Ji, please come clear?

I am coming. After they tried repeatedly without success to crack Maharaj Ji's spirit in Saudi Arabia with the assistance of their Saudi colleagues in grand diabolism, Maharaj Ji appeared to them fully. They were shocked! Basically, their Saudi friends asked them if the person they are seeing is the one they said has been disturbing them in Nigeria. They answered Yes. The Saudi guys told them that the person before them is The Great Power — The Imam Mahdi, that they have been expecting for over 300 years. They told their Nigerian colleagues that if they listen to and obey Maharaj Ji's instructions, Nigeria will be a prosperous country in less than a decade. The Saudis did not fail to tell the Northern Nigerian elites who hired them that they will do everything possible to stop Nigeria from taking advantage of Maharaj Ji's presence in Nigeria.

Really?

Of course. The Saudis went on to inform ailing King Fahd about what they had found. King Fahd told them that if what they said is true, they should immediately commence preparation for him to visit Maharaj Ji in Nigeria. He wanted Maharaj Ji to heal him. The Saudis applied for diplomatic access (visa) to Nigeria on King Fahd's behalf. IBB blocked the application. King Fahd subsequently lost his life!

What about Thomas Sankara?

After Thomas Sankara got to know of the colossal volume of money IBB had amassed in France, Sankara approached IBB, urging him to commit the funds to helping Africa. That request by pan-African Sankara literally got IBB to sign his death-warrant. IBB was hands-in-gloves with French authorities as far as the assassination of Thomas Sankara is concerned.

What really happened that you weren't able to arrest one of those soldiers that came to Satguru Maharaj Ji Village to assassinate Maharaj Ji on the 11th of June, 2008?

Thank you for this wonderful question. On the day the incident happened that soldiers bombarded Maharaj Ji village , it was not as if we were unable to arrest at least one of them. The person I was after then was the chief planner of the assassination attempt who happens to be Lamidi Adedibu. I decreed on that day that, he was going to leave this earth on same day of the following year and it came to pass.

To Be Continued.

VIDEO: Makinde is pragmatic, focused on development, says Maye Olubadan, Alabi

A cultural icon and the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, has described Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, as a pragmatic leader whose focus is the development of his people and the state. 

Alabi, who served four governors of the old Oyo State, including Chief Bola Ige and General Oladayo Popoola, as a Press Secretary, disclosed this in an interview with The People’s Verdict.

According to the Ibadan Senior Chief, Makinde’s good deeds predated his assumption of office as governor.

He said, “Before he became the governor, he was helping widows, the poor and the weak from his private pocket, giving scholarships and all that through his Omituntun Foundation. Till today, my perception of Governor Makinde is that of a pragmatist, somebody who puts things down on the drawing table, analyzing the pros and the cons with his engineering background. Governor Seyi Makinde is a pragmatist and a philanthropist, someone who is humble and reliable.

“I am not surprised at what we are seeing about democracy and his approach to constitutionality. So for him and his government to have devoted attention to providing infrastructure, such as motorable roads, potable water and reliable power supply shows that this is a pragmatist who wants development for the state and its people.”

The first Cultural Ambassador of National Museum and Monuments, Ile Ife, Osun State, who lauded Governor Makinde for his impactful projects, singled out the reconstruction of Bashorun-Akobo-Ashi road as the most significant to him.

His words, “I have been a resident on this estate for almost 30 years. We knew what we faced before that Bashorun-Akobo-Ashi Road and the General Gas Bridge were opened. Between BCOS, Ile Akede and Bashorun Market, we could spend two hours crawling that distance. But since the day the Bashorun-Akobo Road was opened, we became free from traffic hold ups. So, Governor Makinde’s project that has impacted most on me as a resident of Akobo Estate is the Bashorun-Akobo Road and the General Gas Flyover.”

Oloye Alabi, who harped on the need for people to be factual and truthful, said Governor Makinde deserved to be lauded and applauded for transforming the state.

He said, “We must tell the truth. If somebody does well, please praise him. God himself admonishes us to do that. We must praise good people and their works. Governor Makinde has done well in engineering the society, particularly in area of infrastructure.”

While praising the governor for the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, the cultural icon said, “His good deed to pensioners and government workers in terms of prompt payment of their salaries and allowances is remarkable. Yes, government owes the duty of paying salaries and allowances. As a journalist, in and out of government, I stand by the fact we shouldn’t praise governments that pay salaries and allowances. Are they paying from their private pockets? But at the same time, we must look at the converse. Why are workers being owed salaries and allowances by some governments; local governments, states and the federal? I give that to him too and his government.”

Speaking on the employment generation efforts of the government, Oloye Alabi said, “Thousands of graduates were recently employed, which is good. Once people are employed, they earn salaries or allowances and they are able to feed themselves and their people, they worry less. I also applaud his government’s employment policy.”

On the governor’s effort to improve security in the state, the veteran journalist said, “I support the creation of state police forces because they are the closest to the grassroots. So, I commend the Oyo State Government under Governor Makinde and the Oodua State governments for that initiative called Amotekun.”

Acknowledging that Governor Makinde has made Ibadan proud, the Maye Olubadan said, “With due respect to Kabiyesi Olubadan, as his Senior Chief, Maye Olubadan, I have Kabiyesi’s authority by saying that if Governor Makinde had not done us proud would he have been bestowed with the honour he has been given? I am always amazed by his humility, he relates well with people. I see him as somebody well brought up.”

The septuagenarian expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Makinde for embarking on the upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.

He said, “Look at what he is doing with the Ladoke Akintola Airport which is being upgraded to international standards. That means from Ibadan we can fly to London, Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia. It is a good thing.”

Watch the video.