OYO ENVIRONMENTAL VANGUARDS APPREHEND 55 OFFENDERS

The Oyo State Government has reiterated that it will not overlook environmental infractions, as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Environmental Vanguards, apprehended and secured the conviction of 55 environmental offenders in Ibadan land in August 2026.

The offenders were apprehended for various violations of the State’s environmental laws and were subsequently prosecuted and convicted in accordance with the provisions of the law.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated that the development was part of the Ministry’s intensified monitoring and enforcement efforts towards ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustaining a clean, healthy and habitable environment across the State.

Hon. Aderinto reaffirmed  the commitment of the  State Government to strengthening environmental enforcement, warning residents, business owners and other stakeholders against activities capable of degrading the environment, stressing that environmental laws must be obeyed by all.

The Commissioner further  urged members of the public to support the Government’s efforts by complying with environmental regulations, adopting proper waste disposal practices and promptly reporting environmental infractions to the appropriate authorities.

He stressed that open dumping and the dumping of refuse on road medians are strictly prohibited in Oyo State, adding that all forms of refuse disposal must be carried out through accredited waste contractors directly from the source, in line with the State Government’s approved waste management system.

OYRLEA CRACKS DOWN ON STREET TRADING AT GATE, BODIJA, OJOO MARKETS

 

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, in collaboration with security operatives, has intensified enforcement against street trading and the illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija, and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.

The operation, which was carried out during the official closing hours of yesterday  became necessary towards ensuring compliance with the laws regulating trading activities,  the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces in the state.

The enforcement followed observations that many traders still display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and road setbacks, despite the provision of adequate market facilities by the Oyo State Government.

The Authority expressed concern over the continued disregard for designated trading spaces, noting that government-provided markets were meant to enable legitimate business without encroaching on roads and public spaces.

During the exercise, the Authority impounded substantial quantities of goods,  both perishable and non-perishable, from locations where trading violated the law.

OYRLEA stressed that the exercise was not to  frustrate legitimate business owners , but  ensuring that  traders operate within legal boundaries while safeguarding the rights of motorists, pedestrians, and the general public.

Consequently, the Authority called on market men and women to desist from trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and setbacks, and to utilize the designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

OYRLEA further warned that enforcement would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until there is significant compliance with Oyo State laws.

The Authority urged traders and members of the public to cooperate with enforcement personnel, adding that maintaining orderly markets and accessible public spaces remains a collective responsibility.

OYSCOHEST CLEARS THE AIR ON ABORTED STUDENTS’ PROTEST OVER ALLEGED FEE HIKE AND INFESTATION OF BEDBUGS

 

The Management of the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has cleared the air on a protest made by a group of students within the College premises in the early hours of Tuesday, 1st September, 2026.

The protest, which occurred at about midnight, was reportedly led by a small group of female students without  the knowledge of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), which has consistently been carried along by Management in matters affecting students’ welfare and academic activities.

The Management wishes to state categorically that there has been no increase in the approved tuition fees of the returning students of the College. However, there has been a modest adjustment of some ancillary/other charges in response to prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of providing essential services and maintaining the College facilities.

The College, which is over 93 years old, remains committed to providing affordable health education and continues to maintain fees that are comparatively modest among other health training institutions in the country.

*CLARIFICATION ON WATER AND ELECTRICITY*

Management is also aware of allegations concerning the availability of water and electricity in the College. Available records indicate that these essential services were available on the evening of the incident until about 6:00 p.m., when Management and most staff left the premises.

The Management is, however, committed to ensuring that students enjoy a conducive learning and living environment and will continue to address genuine challenges affecting their welfare.

*HOSTEL HYGIENE AND BEDBUG ALLEGATIONS*

With regard to allegations of bedbug infestation in the hostels, Management wishes to clarify that the College routinely fumigates its hostel facilities on a quarterly basis through the Environmental Health Department.

Furthermore, in January 2026, the College procured and distributed a completely new set of mattresses to replace the students’ existing mattresses.

Nevertheless, following the recent complaints, Management has directed that the hostels undergo additional comprehensive fumigation and other necessary maintenance interventions.

Students have therefore been directed to vacate the hostels temporarily to enable the exercise to be carried out effectively.

*ACTS OF VANDALISM AND THREATS*

Management is deeply concerned that what was presented as a protest against alleged welfare challenges reportedly escalated into acts of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour.

During the incident, some of the students reportedly appeared outside wearing only their underwear and  vandalised the Students’ Union  building and a College coaster bus.

The incident was promptly reported to the appropriate authorities and security agencies, and the situation was brought under control.

However , on Wednesday morning, 2nd September, 2026, threat messages were also found pasted on some buildings within the College premises, while anonymous threat messages directed at the Management were circulated on social media.

These developments are being treated seriously. Investigations are ongoing, and the Management is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and identify anyone found to have participated in criminal or unlawful activities.

The Management will not allow any individual or group to exploit legitimate channels for expressing grievances as a cover for vandalism, intimidation, threats or any other act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the College.

*STUDENTS’ UNION GOVERNMENT REMAINS A KEY STAKEHOLDER*

Management reiterates that the Students’ Union Government remains an important stakeholder in the administration of the College and is regularly carried along on matters affecting students.

The College has established channels through which students can present their concerns, grievances and suggestions. Students are therefore encouraged to make use of these legitimate channels rather than resorting to actions capable of undermining the peace and reputation of the institution.

*MANAGEMENT ACTING TO RESTORE NORMALCY*

As part of measures to address the immediate situation, the Management has ordered the temporary closure of the College hostel for necessary repairs and further fumigation of the hostel facilities.

Accordingly:

Fresh students are expected to resume on Monday, 14th September, 2026.

Returning students are expected to resume for the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, 21st September, 2026.

Management urges parents and guardians to take note of these dates and counsel their wards on the importance of discipline, responsible conduct and respect for constituted authority.

The College remains committed to the welfare of its students and to providing a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and professional training.

*GOVERNING COUNCIL REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR MANAGEMENT*

The Chairman of the College Governing Council, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan (Akoro), has expressed the Council’s strong support for the Management under the leadership of the Provost, Mrs. Oluyemisi  Oyewo.

The Council Chairman has also cautioned staff members against any conduct capable of instigating students or contributing to crisis within the College.

He stated that any staff member found to be supporting or encouraging students to engage in unlawful activities would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the established rules and regulations, irrespective of the person’s position.

He further charged the Management to strengthen discipline and ensure that established institutional protocols are followed in addressing grievances and resolving disputes.

*CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY AND CALM*

The Management calls on students, parents, guardians, staff and other stakeholders to remain calm and responsible as the appropriate authorities continue their investigations.

Members of the public and the print, broadcast and online media are urged to disregard unverified reports, fabricated stories and insinuations designed to portray the College in a negative light or create unnecessary tension.

OYSCOHEST remains focused on its core mandate of producing competent health professionals and will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote academic excellence, discipline, peace and sustainable institutional development.

Signed:

Mr. Sola Samuel Ojewole

Public Relations Officer

3rd September, 2026

Oyo Govt Flags Off House-to-House Waste Bin Enforcement, Gives Defaulters 48-Hour Grace

The Oyo State Government has commenced the enforcement of the house to house waste collection policy across the State, with environmental officers of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources embarking on inspections of residential buildings, business premises and other facilities to ensure compliance with proper waste management regulations.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated this during the flag off of the enforcement exercise on Tuesday, explaining that the measure  was in line with the laws of the State mandating residents, businesses and other establishments to have proper arrangements for the disposal of their waste.

 He noted that the enforcement was necessary to address the environmental, aesthetic,Economic and public health challenges associated with improper waste management.

According to him, the exercise involves inspecting premises to ascertain whether occupants have appropriate waste bins and are registered with approved and designated waste consultants assigned to their locations.

 He disclosed that buildings found without the required waste bins or proper waste collection arrangements were being served abatement notices and given a 48 hour grace period to comply.

Hon. Aderinto stressed that failure to comply within the stipulated 48 hours would attract enforcement action, including the closure of defaulting premises, noting that the government would continue the exercise across the State until the required level of compliance is achieved.

The Commissioner urged residents to cooperate with the government by obtaining appropriate waste bins and engaging only approved waste consultants designated to their areas. 

He also advised residents to report any accredited waste collector who fails to evacuate waste as required to the Ministry or the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA), assuring that such consultants would face appropriate sanctions, including possible revocation of their operating licences.

Oyo Government Steps Up Crown FC Rebirth with New Management Team, Targets Greater Heights

The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to revive and reposition Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso with the inauguration of a new management team charged with transforming the club into a stronger and more competitive football side.

The new management team was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, who tasked the officials with working in line with the administration’s three-point agenda for Crown FC  Reformation, Transformation and Repositioning.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Commissioner stressed the importance of professionalism, accountability and commitment in moving the club forward, urging the new management to work collectively towards restoring Crown FC to its rightful place in Nigerian football.

The newly inaugurated management team comprises Waheed Adeolu Bello as General Manager; Oyebowale Adetayo as Sporting Director; Mohammed Ibrahim Adeoye as Chief Operating Officer; and Oluwatoyin Sunday as Marketing Manager.

The appointment represents another major step in the Oyo State Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the club’s administration and create an enabling environment for sustainable sporting success.

Responding on behalf of the new management, the General Manager, Waheed Adeolu Bello, assured the Oyo State Government of the team’s determination to give its best and deploy every available resource towards achieving positive results for Crown FC.

He called for the support and cooperation of players, supporters, stakeholders and the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State, noting that the revival of Crown FC would require collective commitment.

For Crown FC supporters who have longed to see the club regain its prominence, the new management signals renewed hope that the Crown FC of Ogbomso can once again shine brightly and gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Oyo Govt Partners EFCC to Check Terrorism Financing in NPO Sector

The Oyo State Government has stepped up efforts to prevent the diversion of humanitarian funds for terrorism financing through a joint sensitization programme with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The workshop, focused on the 2026 National Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment of the Non-Profit Organisation, NPO, Sector, was held on Tuesday at the Western Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde who declared the workshop open, said recent kidnapping incidents across the South-West region made it imperative to reassess emerging security threats.

Prof. Babatunde noted that terrorist elements are increasingly exploiting crowdfunding, humanitarian interventions and informal financial channels to raise and move funds.

He stressed the need for stricter registration, monitoring and oversight of Non-Profit Organisations operating in the state.

The SSG urged participants, including CSOs, NGOs and faith-based organisations, to cooperate with security agencies to ensure transparency in the management of donations and humanitarian aid.

Earlier in his remarks, the EFCC Team Lead, ACE Ibinabo Amachree, explained that the national risk assessment was designed to identify vulnerabilities within the NPO sector and build resilience against exploitation by terrorist networks.

He added that the Commission would continue to work closely with state governments to enforce compliance and promote accountability in the sector.

The sensitization is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, through the EFCC, to align Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework

Labour Veterans Association, Oyo State Felicitates Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro On His Emergence As PENGASSAN National President

The Oyo State Labour Veterans Association (OYSLVA), has felicitated Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro on his election as the new National President of Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN).

In a press statement jointly signed by the President, Veteran Comrade Elijah Olu Abiala and Secretary, Veteran Comrade Gbenga Obabiyi, the Labour Veterans Association described Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro's election as a clear vindication of his commitment,and dedication to the advancement of his union members welfare at every level and structure in his trajectory of service of union's establishment including his chairmanship of the Trade Union Congress, Oyo State Branch, where there was a clear testimony of his distinguished career, character and integrity.

The Oyo State Labour Veterans Association added that it can testify to Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro's fearless approach to o secure workers' rights and his fraternal, peaceful and peaceable relations with fellow comrades in leadership positions of the union, two labour centres, and civil rights organisations.

The Oyo State Labour Veterans Association further reiterated that Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro truly deserves his rise to the zenith of his union organisation - the leadership of the Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN).

Conclusively, Oyo State Labour Veterans Association pray that God Almighty grant Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro wisdom, strength, good health and greater grace as he commences his tenure in the national service of Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the larger society of our country Nigeria.