Oyo Govt Pledges Support for Itansan Arts Festival to Promote Yoruba Cultural Heritage

The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to support initiatives that promote Yoruba cultural heritage, particularly among the youth, as part of efforts to preserve the rich traditions of the state.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, made this known while receiving the delegation of the Itansan Arts Festival team during a courtesy visit to his office in Ibadan.

Olatubosun commended the organisers of the initiative, describing the festival as a laudable effort aimed at celebrating and projecting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, particularly the ancestors who laid the foundation for the present generation.

He noted that the state government remains committed to encouraging programmes that will rekindle the interest of young people in culture and tradition, adding that cultural festivals play a significant role in preserving identity and promoting tourism.

The initiative, a newly established one, comprises young individuals committed to promoting Yoruba culture among youths through well-packaged cultural programmes that resonate with younger generations, many of whom have gradually distanced themselves from traditional cultural practices over the years.

 Olatubosun commended the group for developing a robust programme aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of Oyo State.

 He promised to support the initiative by providing an endorsement letter, attending the event, and offering assistance through the Ministry’s media unit to publicise the programme before, during, and after the event, as well as facilitating any other support needed through relevant agencies.

The Commissioner also advised the team to ensure proper planning and coordination in order to achieve a successful outing.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Convener and Festival Director of the Itansan Arts Festival, Adewumi Adekunle, explained that the team came to seek endorsement and to officially inform the State Government about the maiden edition of the initiative designed to celebrate Yoruba culture, arts, and heritage in ways that resonate with young people.

She added that the festival would particularly highlight Yoruba ancestors. 

“Over time, we observed that people are no longer talking about our ancestors, even though each of us shares one trait or another that can be traced to them as our progenitors. We want people to see and learn about our ancestors from a different perspective from what it used to be in the past,” she said.

Adekunle further disclosed that the event, scheduled to hold in May would feature an inter-school competition among secondary school students, where participants would speak on Yoruba deities or traditions.

According to her, presentations would take the form of visual arts, writing, and oratory, with entries judged accordingly.

Other highlights of the programme include a stage play titled “The Beacons of the Ancestors,” which aligns with the festival’s theme of portraying present generations as the light of their ancestors. 

There will also be the launch of a book titled “Emissaries of the Gods,” which presents Yoruba ancestors as cultural heroes.

Members of the management team of the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism appreciated the initiative for identifying the Ministry as a platform to further project its vision and programmes.

 They commended the team for complementing the efforts of the Oyo State Government in promoting culture and tourism while engaging young people as active stakeholders in cultural preservation.

They also expressed optimism that the programme would further strengthen awareness of Yoruba cultural heritage among the younger generation and prayed for the success of the forthcoming festival.

Journalist Attacked at Kosofe Council Secretariat Weeks After Party Chieftain Attack

Barely weeks after a party chieftain was allegedly attacked at the APC secretariat in Acme, Ogba, a journalist has also alleged that he was assaulted within the premises of the Kosofe Local Government secretariat by individuals said to be loyal to the council chairman, Moyo Ogunlewe.

The journalist, Habeeb Adejobi of MITV, said the incident occurred on Wednesday when he visited the council secretariat to cover the screening of supervisors and special advisers appointed by the council.

Adejobi explained that he arrived at the secretariat around 4 p.m. and attempted to reach the council chairman and the information officer to formally notify them of his presence, but both were unreachable. He said he also contacted a councillor, who informed him that the council was still in session, conducting the screening exercise.

According to him, he waited for a while before setting up his camera within the premises. Shortly afterwards, a man approached him and asked if he was the journalist. After confirming his identity, the man allegedly told him that the chairman had directed that he should leave the premises.

The journalist said he questioned the instruction, explaining that he had already sent a message to the chairman informing him of his presence. He also asked to see the chairman directly, after which the chairman reportedly came out and confronted him.

Adejobi said the chairman asked him for his identification card, and when he replied that he did not have it with him at the time, the chairman allegedly ordered that his cameras be seized.

He further alleged that after the equipment was taken from him, officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and members of a special task force attached to the chairman descended on him, punching and beating him. He added that other individuals believed to be working with the chairman also joined in the assault.

The journalist said he was subsequently taken to the Area H Police Command, where his phone was also seized. He added that he was later taken before the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the presence of the chairman’s Chief of Staff, Abiola Akinola.

According to him, the DPO later intervened to calm the situation before he was allowed to leave the station to seek medical attention.

The incident comes weeks after a similar allegation of violence linked to the council chairman surfaced during the APC congress at the party secretariat in Acme, Ogba, Lagos.

In that incident, a party chieftain, Kehinde Saka, was allegedly attacked on a Friday evening shortly after he stepped out of a meeting to break his fast. Eyewitnesses claimed he was confronted and physically assaulted by individuals alleged to be loyalists of the Kosofe council chairman.

Those identified by sources as allegedly involved in the attack included one Abuga, said to be a driver to the council boss; Segun Moyosore; and Yusuf Sanni, popularly known as Gazol. The attackers were said to have struck Saka with dangerous weapons, leaving him with serious injuries, before security personnel stationed at the secretariat intervened and rescued him.

While the exact motive for the earlier attack remained unclear, party sources suggested it may have been connected to tensions arising from the party congress. It was alleged that Ogunlewe had been prevented from meeting with a party leader, Bushura Alebiosu, popularly known as Baba Bush, amid claims that he had repeatedly insulted and disrespected the elder statesman.

Sources further alleged that the attackers accused Saka of being among those who blocked the meeting between the council boss and Baba Bush, which may have triggered the assault.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Kosofe Local Government chairman or his office regarding the allegations surrounding both incidents. Party stakeholders have, however, called for calm and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

THE PRESENT LEVEL OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA IS WORRISOME - ALADEKUGBE

The Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese , His Grace (Dr) Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe has observed the present high level of insecurity in Nigeria which according to him is worrisome and needs urgent attention 

The call was contained in the press release issued and signed by the Diocesan Communicator, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga shortly after the statutory Diocesan Board meeting held at St Paul's Anglican church, Elewi Odo, Ibadan on Thursday 

Reacting to the report on security situation in Oyo State in particular and Nigeria as a whole as delivered by the Special Adviser on security matters to the Diocesan of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Major  Samuel  Kola  Popoola (,rtd ),Archbishop Aladekugbe called on Federal , State and Local Governments as well as individuals including the traditional rulers to collectively join hands together to fight the insecurity menace 

The Clergy admonished the law enforcement agents in the country to do more in the areas of protecting the lives and property  which is the primary assignment of the government 

The man of God observed the alarming rate at which the okada ridders flooded the major towns in Oyo State especially Ibadan land and urged both the State and Local governments to profile these people and monitor their activities through their transport unions and law enforcement agents so as to regulate their performances and operations

Earlier in his report to the Diocesan Board, the Special Adviser to the Archbishop on security matters said the insecurity of life and property keep on increasing on daily basis 

According to the Special Adviser on security matters , there are ugly reports of kidnapping, payment of ransom , rapping and the killing of the kidnapped victims here and there, adding that the attention of the authorities concerned should be drawn to it before the situation goes beyond control 

He allayed the fears of Oyo State residents not to be panic as both the churches and governments are collaborating on ensuring that insecurity becomes a thing of past 

Present at the board meeting were the    Diocesan  Legal Luminaries, VProvost of the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, Very Rev'd Samuel Kayode Olawoyin,  Archdeacons, Diocesan Officials,Clergies and Laities drawn from Ibadan North Anglican Diocese.

Oyo Public Officers Urged to Maintain Transparency in Asset Declaration

Public officers in Oyo State have been urged to regard the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) as a vital institution that safeguards transparency and ensures the proper use of public funds.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akinola Ojo, gave the charge during a one-day training organised for staff of the Ministry of Finance on the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Form for public officers. The training was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Ibadan.

Hon. Ojo emphasised that the Bureau renders critical service to the nation by promoting accountability and transparency in public service. He stressed the importance of taking the asset declaration process seriously, noting that accurate and honest completion of the forms would prevent future complications.

“We must treat this training with utmost importance. As we fill out these forms, we must ensure we do the right thing so that it does not become an issue in the future,” he said.

The Commissioner encouraged participants to engage actively in the session by asking questions and seeking clarification where necessary. According to him, no question should be considered irrelevant, as the training provides an opportunity to gain proper understanding from knowledgeable facilitators.

In his presentation, the State Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr. Amao Bolaji, explained that the Bureau was established under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to ensure integrity and discipline among public officers.

He outlined the Bureau’s core mandates to include asset declaration, verification of submissions, investigation of breaches, and referral of violations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal. He added that the CCB also promotes ethical standards, prevents corruption, and upholds constitutional provisions aimed at building public trust.

Mr. Amao noted that public officers represent the face of government and must therefore adhere strictly to laid-down rules and guidelines in the discharge of their duties. He stressed that corruption goes beyond financial misappropriation, explaining that unethical practices such as absenteeism also constitute corrupt behaviour.

The Director further explained that the Bureau requires all public officers to declare their assets, liabilities, income, and interests through the prescribed CCB forms to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

He reiterated that asset declaration is mandatory, adding that the Bureau receives and examines submitted forms, as well as petitions and complaints. He therefore urged public officers to be transparent and thorough in completing their declaration forms in line with the anti-corruption mandate of the Bureau.

Those present at the training included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fasina, mni; Directors of the Ministry; and members of the team from the Code of Conduct Bureau, among others.

BCOS NUJ Leadership Visits Oyo Head of Service, Seeks Regularization of Staff

The leadership of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)  on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni to discuss issues affecting the welfare of staff of the corporation.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of the BCOS NUJ Chapel, Ademola Balogun, met with the Head of Service at her office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

During the meeting, the NUJ executives highlighted some of the challenges confronting members of the chapel, particularly the prolonged years many staff have spent working as freelance and contract employees without regularization.

Speaking during the visit, Comrade Balogun described the situation as worrisome, noting that several dedicated staff of the corporation had remained on freelance and contract status for many years.

He appealed to the Head of Service to use her office to facilitate the regularization of the affected workers so that they could benefit from welfare packages and job security available to other employees within the Oyo State civil service.

 "many of the freelance and contract staff have continued to make significant contributions to the operations and growth of the corporation despite the challenges associated with their employment status".

Responding, the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni appreciated the visit by the BCOS NUJ leadership and acknowledged that she was aware of some of the issues affecting the corporation.

She explained that her office had been working closely with the management of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State to address some of the challenges and assured the union that efforts were ongoing to improve the situation.

Mrs Oni also promised to do everything within her capacity to look into the concerns raised by the union. She, however, urged staff of the corporation to remain committed and dedicated to their duties.

The Head of Service further encouraged workers to continue to pray for the success of the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring better welfare for staff of the corporation.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

March, 12.2026

Oyo Govt. Commends CAN for Promoting Religious Harmony

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter has been commended by the Oyo State Government for its commitment to fostering religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the state.

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government,  Professor Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the CAN leadership at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adetunji praised the religious body for sustaining harmony among different faiths in the state and across the South-West region. He noted that peaceful coexistence among religious groups has significantly contributed to the stability and development of Oyo State.

He also urged religious leaders to intensify efforts in guiding the youth by preaching against social vices such as drug abuse and cultism.

"parents and guardians must also play active roles in the upbringing of their children to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities".

“Religious harmony is so deep in the state that there is hardly a family without both Christians and Muslims,

this shows that both religions exist as one family in Oyo State,” Adetunji said.

He further encouraged CAN members to continue praying and supporting the current administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in order to sustain development and progress in the state.

Adetunji stressed that only a peaceful environment can guarantee sustainable development and prosperity for the people.

Earlier in his remarks, the CAN  Chairman, Oyo State, Reverend Elisha Ogundiya, commended Governor Makinde for what he described as his giant strides in infrastructural development and his administration’s efforts in creating employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the state.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

12. March, 2026

Apapa LG Crisis Deepens as Adejumoke Senbanjo Rejects Supervisors’ List, Refuses to Swear in SLG

A political crisis is brewing in Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State as the council chairman, Senbanjo Idowu Adejumoke, has reportedly refused to swear in a list of supervisory councillors and the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) forwarded to council chairmen across the state.

The development has sparked concern among party stakeholders and government officials, who fear that the situation could undermine governance at the grassroots level.

 

The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, recently transmitted a list of supervisors and key council officials to local government chairmen across the state to enable them constitute their executive teams and fully commence administrative activities.

While many council chairmen have complied with the directive by swearing in the nominated officials, the situation in Apapa has taken a controversial turn.

Investigations revealed that Adejumoke has refused to swear in the Secretary to the Local Government and several supervisors included in the list, despite reported pressure from the state government to implement the directive.

Sources within the political structure in Apapa disclosed that the chairman is currently running the council with only two supervisors whom she reportedly prefers to work with.

The list of supervisors and the SLG, according to insiders, was compiled by party leaders and influential stakeholders who played significant roles in the political process that produced Adejumoke as chairman

However, the chairman has reportedly rejected the arrangement, insisting that she will not work with officials she considers politically imposed on her administration.

Observers within the party have strongly criticised the development, describing the refusal to swear in the officials as a troubling act capable of disrupting administrative coordination and undermining party discipline.

Many stakeholders believe that ignoring a directive aimed at stabilising local government administration could create unnecessary tension within the party and slow down governance in the council.

Political watchers say the decision by Senbanjo Idowu Adejumoke to run the council with a skeletal executive structure raises serious questions about administrative effectiveness and respect for established political processes.

They warn that allowing such a standoff to persist could set a dangerous precedent where local government administrations operate outside the framework agreed upon by the party and the state authorities.

With the chairman maintaining her stance and refusing to swear in the SLG and other supervisors, Apapa Local Government is currently operating with a limited executive structure, a situation many stakeholders believe is unhealthy for effective governance.

Observers say the development has now placed the spotlight firmly on Adejumoke’s leadership, as party leaders and government authorities are expected to determine the next steps if the impasse continues