5 OYRTMA Officials Injured, Vehicles Damaged in Soka Junction Clash Over QR Jacket Enforcement

 

Five officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) were injured, while several operational vehicles were damaged, following a violent clash that erupted at Soka Junction in Ibadan during the enforcement of the state’s QR-coded jacket policy on commercial motorcyclists. 

The confrontation, which reportedly involved aggrieved riders, disrupted traffic flow in the area and raised fresh concerns over resistance to the ongoing regulatory exercise.

The enforcement team, set up by the Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), had earlier commenced operations in the early hours of the day, departing the agency’s administrative headquarters at about 8:15 a.m. for the Olodo axis. 

During the initial phase of the exercise, several non-compliant okada riders were apprehended, while compliance checks were successfully carried out in the Orita-Aperin and Olomi areas.

Trouble, began at about 11:10 a.m. when the team arrived at Soka Junction. Officials observed widespread non-compliance with the QR jacket directive and halted engaging riders, in a bid to  sensitize  them on the importance of the policy.

 While some groups within the park responded positively to the engagement, resistance soon emerged, allegedly instigated and led by the Unit Chairman of the park. The situation quickly escalated into violence.

 A group of aggrieved riders launched an attack on the officials, hurling stones and wooden planks. One officer was reportedly struck in the chest, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 Personnel of the Amotekun Corps, who accompanied the team as security backup, were also attacked and temporarily disarmed.

The violent confrontation forced the enforcement team to withdraw from the scene. In the aftermath, four operational vehicles belonging to the agency were severely damaged. As of the time of filing this report, three injured personnel remained hospitalized, while others were treated for minor injuries.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on constituted authority.”

  "Our officers were on lawful duty to enforce a government policy designed to ensure security, accountability, and proper regulation of commercial motorcycle operations across Oyo State.                               "It is deeply unfortunate that they were met with such violent resistance."

Adekoya further emphasized that the QR jacket initiative is aimed at improving public safety, curbing criminal activities, and creating a reliable identification system for okada riders.

“We will not be deterred by acts of violence. The enforcement will continue, and those responsible for this attack will be identified and brought to justice,” he added.

He also called on stakeholders, including transport unions and community leaders, to support the government’s efforts and educate their members on the importance of compliance.

Security agencies have reportedly been notified, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Why I Want to Be Governor of Oyo State – Odidiomo

A leading aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, has declared that his ambition to become governor is driven by a desire to serve the people.

Olajide, who currently serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, said the governorship position is not a right but a responsibility that must be earned through dedication and competence.

Olajide, in a chat with a delegation of journalists led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas in his residence on sunday evening, explained that his long-standing loyalty to Oyo State and his consistent record in politics have positioned him as a credible candidate for the job.

“I have remained stable and loyal to Oyo State. I have never left my party for any reason, and I have always placed service above personal gain,” he said.

According to him, his background as a trained computer science expert also gives him an edge in driving innovation and modern governance in the state.

Olajide further stated that the developmental roadmap being implemented by the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde led administration must be sustained and improved upon for the benefit of residents.

He stressed that continuity in governance would ensure that ongoing projects are completed and that the state continues on the path of growth and stability.

On security, the aspirant noted that strengthening the state’s security architecture would be a top priority under his administration.

He added that efforts toward state policing must be advanced to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to security challenges.

Olajide also pledged to consolidate the achievements of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, by improving its operations and expanding its capacity.

In the area of education, he promised to maintain globally accepted standards, including those recommended by UNESCO, to ensure quality learning across the state while emphasising that education remained a key driver of development and must be given priority attention.

Speaking on economic development, Olajide said his administration would create investment opportunities through agribusiness, while also sustaining existing initiatives in the sector.

He revealed plans to establish multiple free trade zones across the state to attract investors and boost internally generated revenue.

The PDP aspirant further assured that small and medium-scale enterprises would be supported to thrive, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

He also outlined plans to digitize the state’s economy, with a vision to position Ibadan as a major digital hub in the South-West region.

Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, noted that his experience at the National Assembly has prepared him for higher responsibility.

He disclosed that as Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, he has facilitated the establishment of Community ICT Centres across Oyo State.

He maintained that these achievements reflect his commitment to grassroots development and his readiness to deliver more if elected governor.

Oyo Govt Issues Heatwave Alert, Urges Residents to Take Precautionary Measures

The Oyo State Government has issued an urgent Environmental health advisory following a severe heat stress alert from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), warning residents to take immediate precautions as temperatures soar to dangerous levels.

According to the Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said the ongoing heatwave is not isolated to Oyo State but part of a nationwide surge in temperatures affecting several states across Nigeria.

 He added that with daytime temperatures reaching as high as 41°C, there is a heightened risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly during this peak dry season.

Aderinto emphasized the need for residents to remain vigilant and adopt practical safety measures to protect their health and well-being.

He urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM when the sun is at its peak. For those who must be outdoors, staying under shade, particularly natural tree cover, was strongly recommended as an effective way to reduce heat exposure.

The Commissioner stressed that proper hydration remains critical even when they don't feel thirsty, urging residents to drink at least two to three litres of water daily and consume water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to help regulate body temperature.

He further encouraged the use of light, breathable clothing and protective items such as hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses. Ensuring proper ventilation in homes and workplaces, he added, is essential to reduce indoor heat buildup.

Aderinto also issued a strong warning against leaving children, elderly people, or pets inside parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to fatal levels within minutes.

Residents are encouraged to watch for early signs of heat stress, including dizziness, fatigue, and convulsions, Nausea and to check on vulnerable neighbours who may require assistance.

Beyond immediate safety measures, the Commissioner highlighted the broader environmental implications of the heatwave, urging citizens to protect existing green spaces and actively participate in tree-planting initiatives to mitigate long-term heat effects.

He reassured the public of the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property and pledged to provide timely updates as weather conditions evolve.

The System Builder: The Work Behind the Name

By Biodun Awolaja

In recent weeks, the name, Dr Debo Akande, has begun to feature more prominently in conversations across Oyo State.

For many, the question has been simple: Who is he?

But perhaps the more useful question is different:

What has he built?

Across different sectors, one pattern becomes clear:

Not programmes.

Not projects.

But systems.

In agribusiness, that system is visible through the work of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), where initiatives such as the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and YEAP-SAfER have moved beyond training into structured enterprise development.

More than 5,000 young people have been trained.

Over 1,000 enterprises are active.

Across value chains, businesses are emerging with the capacity to grow, scale and create jobs.

At the centre of this is design.

A system that connects:

• training

• enterprise development

• access to finance

• and long-term support

But agribusiness is only one part of the picture.

As Executive Adviser on International Cooperation Development, Dr Akande has played a central role in positioning Oyo State within global investment conversations.

Over the past several years, these efforts have contributed to attracting over $280 million in investment interest and commitments, alongside the establishment of 22 new agribusinesses and factories within the State.

Today, Oyo State ranks second in VAT remittance in Nigeria, reflecting a broader expansion of economic activities.

These outcomes are not the result of isolated engagements… but of sustained relationship-building, negotiation, and the structured positioning of Oyo State as a credible investment destination.

At the Oyo State Agribusiness Transformation Centre, Fasola, this approach becomes tangible.

What began as a concept has evolved into a functioning hub with production and processing facilities, supporting enterprise development and demonstrating what coordinated investment in agribusiness can achieve.

It is not simply infrastructure… it is a platform.

The same pattern appears in other sectors.

In healthcare, Oyo State secured a €58 million French-supported facility to support equipping of the primary and secondary health care, sustained engagement and positioning. The State was selected ahead of others through a process grounded in credibility and structured advocacy.

In ICT, a $1 million ICT Youth business incubation facility in Oyo State further reflects this same approach… where opportunity is not assumed, but deliberately secured.

Even at the level of international engagement, the signals are clear.

The visit of the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, to Fasola marked a historic moment… the first time a sitting President has visited a sub-national state in Nigeria in this manner.

It was not just a visit.

It was recognition.

Across these examples, a consistent approach emerges:

• build structure before scale

• establish credibility before expansion

• connect systems before outcomes

This is what defines a system builder.

Someone who understands that sustainable progress does not come from isolated interventions… but from creating frameworks that continue to function, adapt and grow over time.

As conversations evolve and attention increases, it is natural that individuals come into focus.

But the clearer picture is this:

Before the conversations… there has been a pattern of work.

Work that reflects:

• discipline

• coordination

• and a long-term view of development

There is still more to be done.

The opportunity ahead is not simply to continue what exists, but to deepen systems, expand access, and ensure that growth becomes both scalable and sustainable across sectors.

And in that work lies the real question.

Not who Dr Debo Akande is…

But what he represents.

A continuation of a journey that has moved from vision to engineering, and now, increasingly, to systems.

And in that pattern of work lies a quiet but compelling argument for what leadership can look like.

WACEE 2026: Oyo Seeks German Partnership to Boost Environmental Sustainability

The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to explore international collaboration opportunities with the German Government as part of its drive to advance environmental sustainability and innovation.

Speaking during the West African Clean Energy and Environment Exhibition (WACEE) 2026 held in Lagos, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated that the state is actively engaging development partners to strengthen its environmental initiatives and attract investment into key sectors.

He noted that discussions with the German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, focused on potential areas of cooperation, including clean energy, waste management, and climate resilience strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.

The Commissioner emphasized that Oyo State remains committed to leveraging global best practices and technical expertise through strategic partnerships that will support sustainable development goals and foster economic growth.

He added that the engagement at WACEE 2026 underscores the state government’s readiness to collaborate with international stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges while positioning Oyo State as a hub for green investment in Nigeria.

Speaking as one of the WASH panelists during the session, the commissioner pointed to inadequate infrastructure as a key constraint, explaining that access to clean water, effective sewage systems, and proper sanitation services depends largely on the availability of essential facilities.

The Commissioner noted that additional challenges such as poor maintenance culture, rapid urbanization, and low public awareness, particularly in densely populated areas, require a coordinated and sustained response.

To address these issues, he called for increased government investment, strengthened public-private partnerships, and improved policy implementation and monitoring. He also emphasized the need for continuous public sensitization to encourage behavioural change and ensure sustainability.

In his response, the German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, highlighted several German institutions through which Oyo State could access support, including KfW and DEG, German development finance institutions focused on infrastructure and economic development.

Other members of the Oyo State delegation included the Special Adviser on Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo, the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Lamidi Kazeem Ajibola, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, and other management staff of the ministry.

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Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Driven Economic Growth

 

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development and the promotion of local production as a driver of economic growth, disclosing that the Graduate Industrial Self-Employment Scheme (GISES) will commence within the next two weeks.

 The disclosure was made through the  Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi,  while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony  of the Genspark 2026 Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment Summit and Ibadan Business Exhibition held at the Indoor Games Hall, Liberty Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Hon. Adebisi explained that GISES is a structured revolving loan scheme designed to provide seed capital for unemployed graduates to establish small-scale industrial ventures. 

He said  that the initiative includes an entrepreneurship development component to equip beneficiaries with practical skills in business identification, management and feasibility analysis, ensuring sustainability.

He noted that the theme of the summit, “Local Production as a Backbone for Thriving Economies; Get Involved,” aligns with the vision of the present administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, which prioritises job creation, youth engagement, and sustainable economic development.

He emphasised that the State Government remains deliberate in its efforts to reduce unemployment through strategic initiatives such as skills acquisition programmes, vocational training, and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). 

He added that empowering young people with market-relevant skills in areas such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and innovation would not only enhance productivity but also position them as drivers of economic transformation.

The Commissioner  highlighted ongoing collaborations between the Ministry and relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), to train farmers and exporters, as well as government-backed initiatives designed to support emerging entrepreneurs. 

He further  encouraged participants to leverage these opportunities to build viable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy

Speaking also, Chairman of the opening ceremony, Otunba Oyedapo Idowu Richard, underscored the role of the private sector in economic growth, noting that initiatives like Genspark provide opportunities for networking, investment and business expansion.

In her contribution,  the Oyo State Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs. Iyabo Ojogbede, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting small businesses through capacity building, access to finance and policy support.

Earlier In his welcome address, the Convener, Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, said the summit was designed to bridge gaps in entrepreneurial knowledge and provide mentorship, business insights and networking opportunities for participants.

Eid-El-Fitr: APC chieftain, Allow Alao felicitates Muslims

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria, particularly those in Oyo State, as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Engr. Alao, a frontline governorship aspirant in a goodwill message he personally issued to commemorate the festival, described Eid-el-Fitr as a period of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of peace, compassion, tolerance, and unity among all citizens.

He prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the fasts, prayers, and charitable acts of the faithful, and rewards them with abundant blessings. 

According to him, the lessons of Ramadan which are self-discipline, generosity, and love for humanity should continue to guide personal conduct and collective engagement beyond the fasting period.

Engr. Alao urged Muslims and all residents of Oyo State to sustain peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding, stressing that unity remains vital to the social and economic development of the state and the nation at large.

He then concluded by wishing the Muslim Ummah a joyful and peaceful Eid celebration filled with good health, prosperity, and divine grace.