Oyo Govt. To Inaugurate Environmental Compliance Awards

The Oyo State Government has announced plans to institute the Environmental Compliance Awards as part of efforts to recognize and reward industries and business establishments that consistently uphold environmental, health, and sustainability standards across the state.

The Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto disclosed this during an unscheduled inspection of Item7Go Production Factory, Eleyele, Ibadan, where he commended the company for maintaining a clean, safe and environmentally responsible workplace.

Hon. Aderinto described the factory as a model of responsible industrial practice, noting that its commitment to quality control, environmental protection and operational excellence aligns with the vision of the Oyo State Government for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.

The Commissioner reiterated that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will continue to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforce compliance with relevant regulations to ensure that industries operate in ways that safeguard public health and protect the environment

According to him, the proposed Environmental Compliance Awards will promote healthy competition among industries, encourage adherence to environmental laws and deepen the culture of sustainability, which remains a key component of Governor Seyi Makinde's environmental agenda.

 He added that the State Government will continue to support businesses that comply with environmental regulations and adopt sustainable production practices.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman applauded the Ministry for its remarkable achievements in environmental sanitation and the enforcement of environmental laws.

He described environmental compliance as the most cost-effective approach for businesses, urging industries across the state to emulate the high operational and environmental standards demonstrated by Item7Go Production Factory.

Responding on behalf of the company, the top management staff of Item 7go Mr. Daniel Muda expressed appreciation to the State Government for the inspection visit and reaffirmed the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.

He assured that Item7Go would continue to comply fully with all environmental regulations of the Oyo State Government while sustaining its partnership with the Ministry in promoting a greener, cleaner, and healthier environment for all residents.

Paving Nigeria’s Path to Progress: Oyo state template on Infrastructure

In the past six years , Oyo state has remained the template for measuring infrastructure development in the country. The state has developed infrastructure blueprint that has truly benefited commerce and industry, paving a genuine path to progress. On major highways , one name keeps appearing on project signboards in the state : Kopek Construction Limited. For decades, the company has been quietly, and then visibly, laying the asphalt that connects people, markets, and dreams.

Under the dynamic leadership of its Managing Director, Mr. Feghali Issam, Kopek Construction Limited has grown from a construction firm into a national infrastructure giant — known for delivering quality roads that last, even in Nigeria’s toughest weather and terrain.

Today, the Ibadan-Iseyin, road project stands as one of Oyo State’s flagship infrastructure project , built with high-quality, durable materials by the company under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Before 2019, the road was notorious. Trucks broke down, accidents were frequent, and the Oke-Ogun zone felt cut off from Ibadan despite being the state’s food basket.

Governor Makinde’s government flagged the reconstruction as a priority. The goal was clear: connect Ibadan to Iseyin, Oyo, and the border communities, and unlock agriculture, trade, and tourism in Oke-Ogun.

Kopek Construction Limited was awarded the contract, and under the oversight of Mr. Issam, the company mobilized with a mandate to build for the next 30 years, not just the next election cycle.

Kopek is reputed for high-grade laterite, crushed stone base, and polymer-modified asphalt designed for heavy truck loads and rainy seasons.

In a sector where abandoned projects and potholes are too common, Kopek has built a reputation on a simple principle: build it right, the first time.

“Roads are not just concrete and asphalt,” Mr. Issam says. “They are arteries. If they fail, the economy bleeds.”

That philosophy is evident in Kopek’s portfolio. The company has handled federal, state, and private road projects across the country . From dual carriageways to rural access roads, bridges to drainages, Kopek projects are designed to withstand heavy truck traffic, seasonal floods, and years of wear.

Engineers in the industry point to Kopek’s insistence on proper soil testing, drainage, and asphalt mix design as reasons its roads have fewer complaints and longer life spans.

A good road does more than cut travel time. It changes lives.

In different parts of the country , Kopek’s work on federal highways has helped farmers move tomatoes, grains, and livestock to markets before they spoil.  

The company’s road rehabilitation projects have reopened trade routes that were nearly cut off by erosion and neglect.  

In the South-West in particular , its urban road projects have eased gridlock and reduced accidents.

For haulage companies, better roads mean lower maintenance costs. For commuters, it means hours saved. For small businesses along the route, it means new customers.

“When Kopek finishes a road, you feel it in the market the next week,” says a transporter in Ogun State. “Goods move faster, prices drop, and drivers are safer.”

Beyond the asphalt, Kopek has invested in people. The company employs thousands of engineers, technicians, surveyors, and artisans directly, and supports many more in its supply chain.

Under Mr. Issam, Kopek has prioritized training Nigerian engineers and sourcing materials locally where possible. Young graduates get field experience on real projects. Equipment operators, welders, and masons build careers, not just jobs.

The company also works with host communities, facilitating compensation, road safety education, and employment opportunities during construction.

Building in Nigeria is not easy. Rising material costs, forex volatility, weather delays, and difficult terrain test every contractor.

Kopek’s approach has been to plan ahead, invest in modern equipment, and maintain strict quality control. The company owns a fleet of pavers, crushers, and testing labs, which reduces dependence on third parties and keeps timelines on track.

Mr. Issam credits the team culture:  “We don’t cut corners. Our name is on that road for 20 years. We have to be proud to drive on it too.”

The Federal Government’s focus on infrastructure as a driver of growth needs reliable partners. Kopek Construction Limited has positioned itself as one of them.

With Nigeria’s population growing and urbanization accelerating, the demand for quality roads will only increase. From easing port access in Lagos to opening rural corridors in the North, Kopek’s work is helping to close the infrastructure gap one kilometer at a time.

“Our goal is simple,” Mr. Issam notes. “To build roads that connect Nigerians today, and that our children will still use tomorrow.”

As vehicles roll smoothly on new roads , the impact is clear. It’s not just about getting from A to B. It’s about a country moving forward.

Adekanmbi Receives Boost as Oyo APM Welcomes Hundreds of Decampees from APC, Accord, ADC

 A

Kehinde Ayanboade,

Ibadan. 

The governorship aspiration of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi received a major boost on Friday as hundreds of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) formally defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State.

The decamping ceremony, held at Adekanmbi’s campaign office in Jericho, Ibadan, on Friday attracted political stakeholders, grassroots leaders, local government party executives, support groups and supporters from across the state, all declaring their support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Among the notable groups that joined the APM was the Olumba Socio Political Forum (OSPF), led by its Convener, Akinola Olumide, popularly known as Olumba. Members of the forum from Ido, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan North-West and Akinyele Local Government Areas formally dumped their former political parties to align with the APM.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Olumba, a former member of the APC and the Remi Oseni Council of Friends (ROCOF), said the decision to leave the APC was borne out of conviction and a desire to identify with a leader capable of sustaining Oyo State’s developmental strides.

He described the APC as “a golden casket that looks beautiful from the outside but has a very bad structure,” adding that the party lacks internal cohesion and genuine love among its members.

According to him, the decision to join the APM was influenced by Adekanmbi’s humility, competence and proven leadership qualities.

“When you are talking about humility, this man is humble. Talking about capability, we all know he is capable. From his records and profile, we know he has what it takes to govern Oyo State,” Olumba said.

He added that the growing acceptance of the APM across the state convinced him and his supporters that there was no need to remain in parties they believed had lost touch with the people.

“There is no vacancy in Oyo State in 2027. We believe there will be continuity, and we want to contribute our own quota to the development of the state through the APM,” he stated.

Olumba also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, workers’ welfare and regular salary payments.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has really performed beyond doubt. We appreciate what he has done for Oyo State and we want that continuity. We believe Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi can consolidate on those achievements and even surpass expectations,” he added.

Receiving the defectors, Adekanmbi expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in his leadership and assured them that they had joined a movement committed to serving the people.

He promised that every genuine member of the party would enjoy the dividends of democracy, stressing that his administration, if elected in 2027, would build on the developmental foundation laid by Governor Seyi Makinde under the Omituntun agenda.

Adekanmbi maintained that the increasing wave of defections into the APM reflected the people’s desire for continuity rather than a return to old political practices.

He accused opposition parties of relying on vote buying rather than presenting credible alternatives to the electorate, noting that the support his movement enjoys is driven by conviction rather than financial inducement.

“I appreciate you for standing with us out of genuine love and conviction, not because of money. This movement is people-driven, and together we will continue the good work that has transformed Oyo State,” he said.

The governorship hopeful urged the new members to immediately formalize their membership registration in the APM and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The defection exercise came shortly after Adekanmbi hosted hundreds of Muslim faithful who observed the Jumat prayer at his campaign office in Jericho, Ibadan.

The event was attended by party stalwarts, local government chairmen, grassroots political leaders and members of various support groups from across Oyo State, underscoring what observers described as the growing momentum behind Adekanmbi’s governorship bid.

World Bank, FPMU Assess Oyo RAAMP Projects as Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Scale-Up

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the sustainability and expansion of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), pledging to put all necessary machinery in place to ensure the successful implementation of the project's Scale-Up phase.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, made the pledge on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of RAAMP and the World Bank Task Team to his office.

The Deputy Governor assured the visiting delegation of the Oyo State Government's unwavering support for the project, noting that the state would continue to meet its obligations, including the prompt payment of counterpart funds, to guarantee the successful execution of the Scale-Up initiative.

He described RAAMP as a transformative intervention that aligns with the present administration's commitment to improving rural infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting the socio-economic well-being of rural communities across the state.

Barr. Lawal also commended the Federal Project Management Unit, the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support and collaboration, assuring them that Oyo State would remain one of the leading states in the effective implementation of the project.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Aminu Bodinga, explained that the visit to Oyo State was to assess the performance of the project, evaluate the level of implementation and ascertain the achievements recorded by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).

He noted that the delegation, which included the World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) and other officials, was in the state to undertake an implementation support mission and review the progress made, particularly as the project approaches the end of its current implementation cycle in Oyo State.

Engr. Bodinga commended the Oyo State Government for its commitment to the successful implementation of RAAMP, noting that the achievements recorded so far had justified the confidence reposed in the state.

He expressed optimism that with the continued support of the Oyo State Government, particularly through the timely release of counterpart funds, the full implementation of the Rural Access and Road Maintenance Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF) components of the RAAMP Scale-Up programme would be achieved, leading to improved rural connectivity, enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainable socio-economic development across the state.

Speaking during the inspection of project sites, the National Coordinator expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed under the project and commended the Oyo State Project Implementation Unit for its impressive performance. He urged the state government to continue engaging competent and qualified contractors to sustain the quality and durability of infrastructure delivered under the project.

The delegation inspected several RAAMP projects across the state, including the completed Alako–Idiya–Batake–Olowa–Ijaye Farm Settlement Road, spanning 36.45 kilometres; the Olokoyo–Alobo–Ikere George Dam Road, a 21.953-kilometre road currently nearing completion; and the completed Araromi Oja-Agbe Market under the Agro-Logistics Centre (ALC) initiative at Akanran in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, among other project sites.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Acting State Project Coordinator, Oyo RAAMP, Engr. Adegboyega Obe; members of the Federal Project Management Unit; representatives of the World Bank; and other key stakeholders.

Oyo Govt Reaffirms Support for SMEs, Artisans Through Trade Promotion

The Oyo State Government has reiterated the importance of creating greater opportunities for traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through skills development, business networking, enterprise support and trade promotion.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu  Adelabu, made this known at the Ibadan edition of the Nigeria Business Summit 2026 Regional Tour, organised by Stanbic IBTC Bank under the theme, "Empowering Nigerian Enterprises for Growth," held at the Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan.

Professor Salihu Adelabu said the Oyo State Government has continued to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of artisans, traders, entrepreneurs and SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry has been working on capacity-building programmes for artisans and entrepreneurs through skills upgrading, while also encouraging access to funding opportunities, promoting import and export activities and exposing businesses to networking opportunities that can enhance enterprise growth.

Professor Adelabu commended Stanbic IBTC Bank for bringing the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour to Ibadan and for providing a platform through which business owners can gain practical knowledge, build strategic business relationships and explore opportunities that will contribute to the growth of their enterprises.

He also acknowledged the commitment of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to programmes that support economic growth through agriculture, agribusiness and infrastructure development.

The Commissioner noted that the State Government is implementing the SAfER (Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery) initiative to cushion the effects of economic challenges through interventions that support businesses, farmers and other vulnerable groups, while also promoting a more conducive environment for enterprise growth.

He further stated that the Government's agricultural support initiatives include the tractorisation programme, through which eligible farmers pay part of the cost of land preparation while the State Government subsidises the balance, in addition to the distribution of fertilisers to encourage agricultural production. He added that ongoing investments in road infrastructure also contribute to improving the business environment across the State.

Earlier, the Head, Enterprise Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Jumoke Bello, said the Nigeria Business Summit was created to support Nigerian enterprises by providing business owners with practical knowledge, strategic networking opportunities and business advisory services.

She explained that the Bank is committed to supporting SMEs by connecting entrepreneurs with the right networks, facilitating access to business opportunities and exposing participants to trade and export prospects capable of adding value to their enterprises.

Mrs. Bello stated that Stanbic IBTC's collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry for the Ibadan summit reflects the Bank's desire to work with relevant stakeholders in supporting the growth of traders, artisans and SMEs.

She expressed confidence that participants would benefit from the knowledge shared during the summit, particularly in the areas of business growth, enterprise development, networking and access to emerging opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, commended Stanbic IBTC Bank for organising a programme dedicated to the growth of indigenous businesses and appreciated the Oyo State Government for its continued efforts toward creating an enabling environment for commerce and enterprise.

He urged traders, market leaders and artisans across the State to take full advantage of the knowledge, networking sessions and business opportunities provided through the summit, stressing that continuous learning, innovation and collaboration remain essential for building stronger and more competitive businesses.

The Nigeria Business Summit is an initiative of Stanbic IBTC Bank designed to support Nigerian enterprises through knowledge sharing, networking, business advisory services and enterprise development. Following the inaugural edition held in Lagos, the 2026 Regional Tour is being taken to four commercial cities across the country—Onitsha, Aba, Ibadan and Kano—to bring enterprise development opportunities closer to business owners within their local markets.

Oyo State Primary Health Care Board Executive Secretary Bags Excellence Leadership Award for Outstanding Service Delivery

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, has been honoured with the prestigious Excellence Leadership Award 2025/2026 as the Most Outstanding State Primary Health Care Board of the Year in Efficient Service Delivery.

The award was presented today by the Organizing Secretary of the Legislative Writers Forum, National Assembly, Abuja, Mr. Abraham Ogwaje, on behalf of the President of the Forum, Mr. Odeh Agih, in recognition of the Board’s exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to delivering quality primary healthcare services to the people of Oyo State.

The award is a testament to the remarkable transformation witnessed in the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board under the leadership of Dr. Muideen Olatunji. Through strategic reforms, strengthened healthcare systems, improved infrastructure, expanded access to essential health services, and enhanced workforce development. 

The Board has continued to set new standards in efficient, responsive, and people centred primary healthcare delivery. These achievements have significantly contributed to improving health outcomes and reinforcing public confidence in the state’s primary healthcare system.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Abraham Ogwaje lauded Dr. Olatunji for his visionary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in public service.

He stated that the Legislative Writers Forum carefully assessed the performance of state primary healthcare boards across the country before selecting the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for the prestigious honour.

According to him, the Board’s consistency in implementing impactful healthcare initiatives, promoting innovation, and achieving measurable results in service delivery distinguished it as the most deserving recipient of the 2025/2026 award.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Muideen Olatunji expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Legislative Writers Forum for the recognition, describing the award as a validation of the collective efforts of the Board and its partners in advancing quality healthcare across Oyo State.

He dedicated the honour to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, whose unwavering support and investment in the health sector have created an enabling environment for sustainable reforms.

He also commended the management and staff of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, frontline healthcare workers, development partners, and other stakeholders for their dedication and sacrifice, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to sustaining excellence, strengthening primary healthcare delivery, and ensuring that every resident of Oyo State has access to affordable, equitable, and high quality healthcare services.

I Will Run Oyo Civil Service with Fear of God, Says Fasina, Urges OYOWMA to Keep Roads Refuse-Free

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, has reaffirmed her commitment to administering the state's Civil/Public Service with the fear of God, while charging the management of the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) to intensify efforts at keeping roads and public spaces clean.

Dr. Fasina gave the charge while receiving the management team of OYOWMA on a courtesy visit at the Office of the Head of Service, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Head of Service stressed the importance of environmental sanitation, directing the agency to ensure that road medians across the state remain free of refuse, especially during the rainy season.

She urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to lead by example through diligence and commitment to duty, noting that exemplary leadership would inspire subordinate officers to perform effectively.

She said  "the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to the welfare of workers across all grade levels, describing staff welfare as a priority of the present government.

She continued. "Cleanliness is next to godliness. I want you to ensure that our road medians are free of refuse, particularly during this rainy season," 

Dr. Fasina further tasked OYOWMA to intensify refuse evacuation across the state and embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns to discourage indiscriminate dumping of waste in streams, drainage channels and waterways, warning that such practices contribute to flooding and environmental degradation.

In his remarks, the General Manager of OYOWMA, Engr. Afolabi Adewale, congratulated Dr. Fasina on her appointment as the Head of Service and pledged the agency's continued support for the present administration's environmental sanitation agenda.

He assured the Head of Service that the authority would redouble its efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for residents of Oyo State through improved waste management and sustained sanitation initiatives.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

July 17,  2026