Oyo Govt Sensitises Farmers on Climate Forecast

... flags off 2026 Farming Season 

The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has sensitised the  farmers across the state to take advantage of seasonal climate forecasts to guide their farming activities and improve agricultural productivity.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye,while flagging off the  2026 Farming Season at the Local Government Staff Hall, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan,said the seasonal climate prediction serves as an important early warning system that provides farmers with vital information on rainfall patterns, the onset, and cessation of the rainy season, the length of the cropping season, possible dry spells, and temperature variations.

He explained that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicates that Oyo State may experience varying dry spell conditions across some Local Government Areas, stressing the need for farmers to pay close attention to weather advisories while planning their farming activities.

Barr. Olaleye also formally flagged off the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the SAfER initiative, noting that the programme was introduced to make mechanised farming more accessible and affordable for farmers across the state.

According to him, since the programme commenced in 2024, significant progress has been recorded with the registration of tractors and booking agents, while thousands of acres of farmland have been ploughed for farmers across the state.

 He added that the initiative has enabled farmers to cultivate larger farm sizes, reduce labour costs, and improve planting schedules.

In his remarks, the Chairman,Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Peter Ojedokun, commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde for being proactive in agricultural development in the state.

He, however, pledged that the Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin, would continue to support policies and programmes aimed at strengthening agriculture and improving the welfare of farmers across the state.

Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that the convergence of the three events; the flag-off of the farming season, the presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction, and the tractorisation subsidy programme reflects the seriousness of the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation in Oyo State.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to people-centred development initiatives in the state.

Mrs. Owoeye explained that the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction would provide farmers and stakeholders with critical information on rainfall onset and cessation dates, expected dry spells, length of the growing season, temperature outlook, and flood risk zones across the state.

She added that the aim of the sensitisation programme was to bridge the gap between scientific climate information and practical agricultural decision-making.

According to her, understanding and applying seasonal climate predictions would help farmers determine appropriate planting dates, select suitable crop varieties, plan irrigation schedules, manage livestock and fisheries effectively, and mitigate risks associated with floods and drought.

In his contribution, the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Samson Adetunji, commended the Oyo State Government for its sustained commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.

He added that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Bola Tinubu, remains committed to supporting farmers across the country through policies and programmes aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.

Also speaking, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Adewumi Abass, appreciated the government on behalf of farmers in the state.

He noted that information on weather forecasts is important, particularly considering the global challenges posed by climate change, and urged farmers to strictly adhere to the predictions released by NiMet to avoid losses and ensure a successful farming season.

Oyo Govt. Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Welfare

 

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the welfare and empowerment of women across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, made this known during a courtesy visit by the women’s wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adetunji stated that the present administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to policies and programmes that promote the welfare and advancement of women in Oyo State.

He urged women in the state to work collectively towards common goals, emphasizing the importance of organizing training programmes and symposiums that would further educate and empower women to take leadership roles in society.

According to him, "the Makinde-led administration has consistently given priority to women’s development across the state".

Adetunji also encouraged the NLC women’s wing to continue promoting the government’s achievements in governance across every part of the state so that the administration’s good work would be sustained in the Pacesetter State.

“Women are increasingly taking up more seats in the National Assembly, State Assemblies, as Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Local Government Administration in the country,”

 “Always carry the media houses along in all your programmes so that your activities can gain prominence in the society.”

In her remarks, the chairperson of the NLC women’s wing, Comrade Olumide Lawal Bolanle, commended Governor Makinde for prioritizing women’s welfare in the state.

She also urged the state government to further promote gender equality and ensure that women are adequately represented in governance and decision-making processes across the state.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

9/3/2026

Breaking: Makinde to Swear in Newly Appointed Permanent Secretaries on Tuesday

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde will, on Tuesday, preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state’s Civil/Public Service.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni,mni hinted that the ceremony will take place on Tuesday by 10:00 a.m at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The event marks a significant administrative step in strengthening the leadership structure of the state Civil Service. 

At the ceremony, the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are expected to formally take the oath of office before the Governor.

The appointments are part of ongoing efforts by Governor Makinde administration to enhance efficiency and service delivery within the public service of Oyo State and for the overall development of the state.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

9/3/2026.

IWD: NASFAT Oyo Zone 1, Women Management Celebrates International Women's Day

... Urges Women to Train Their Children 

The NASRULAHIL Fatih Society (NASFAT), Oyo Zone 1, Women Management Committee comprises Ibadan and Ibarapa on Saturday celebrated 2026 World International Women's Day with March pass, Awards of recognition and presentation of gifts for Quran and Quic competition for female children participants to mark the (IWD) day. 

The celebration was held at the NASFAT Headquarters, Samonda, Ibadan with the Theme: "Give to Take" where women gathered in their hundred to celebrate their annual special day.

In his welcome address, the past zonal Chairman, also the chairman of the occasion, Alhaji. Tajudeen Olaosebikan enjoined women to continue to be resilient and uphold the moral values and dignity in them and also support their husband to train their children so that they can be useful to the  society.

Olaosebikan said. "International Women's Day is not just a one day off, it is something we can be celebrating everyday, because we have to celebrate our women for their perseverance, most importantly, the vital roles they played in the society.

In his Goodwill Message,  NASFAT Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Fadahunsii  charged women to be united and strong, saying that, that is what they can do to fight their cause any where they find themselves in the world.

He said. "International Women's Day is the day set aside for the whole world to know that women folks are more recognized in our society and to challenge them to play their roles as it expected of them among the committee of women in the world.

Fadahunsi urged women to give their children good home training, sound education with moral behavior just as he admonished them to spend more resources for the work of Allah in order to receive more blessings from God.

The Zonal Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Khadijat Monilade Busari said women are the pillar and the builder of the society hinting that, the role the women played in the society cannot be over emphasized.

Alhaja Busari added further that women should recognize their purpose on the surface of the earth and continue to play their positive role in building and support to the humanity.

Ends ........

Oyo Govt Trains 100 Residents as Environmental Whistleblowers to Strengthen Compliance

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has trained no fewer than 100 residents to serve as environmental whistleblowers under the Oyo Soro Soke Sita (OYO SSS), a surveillance scheme aimed at strengthening environmental law enforcement across the state.

Speaking during the training programme held on Friday at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Aderinto, said the initiative was designed to engage citizens in protecting the environment while creating a self-employment opportunity.

The Commissioner who spoke through  Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mrs. Abimbola Akinbobola, 

 explained that participants are expected to monitor their surroundings and report individuals or organisations violating environmental laws in the state.

He  emphasized that the whistleblowers are not enforcement officers and therefore should not confront or apprehend offenders.

 According to him, their responsibility is to discreetly capture photographic or video evidence of environmental violations and forward such reports through the appropriate channels.

He further noted that once the reports are verified, the information will be relayed to the nearest environmental enforcement team for necessary action.

He added that whistleblowers will receive commissions for credible reports that lead to the prosecution and fining of offenders.

The Commissioner assured participants that the commissions would be paid directly into their registered bank accounts without any stress once the enforcement process is completed.

He explained that the  training forms part of the Oyo State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen environmental compliance, encourage citizen participation, and ensure a cleaner and saner environment for all residents of the state.

Power Struggle in OPC New Era as Akinpelu Disowns Expulsion Letter

A leadership crisis has deepened within the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era as Comrade Adesina Akinpelu has dismissed his purported expulsion from the group, describing the action as futile and unconstitutional.

Akinpelu insisted that he remains a national leader of the Yoruba sociocultural organization, arguing that the National Executive Council (NEC) led by Alhaji Rasaq Arogundade Balogun, popularly known as 

“Sadam,” no longer has the authority to take such a decision.

According to him, the NEC that announced his expulsion ceased to exist on December 12, 2025, following the expiration of its eight-year tenure as stipulated in the organization’s constitution.

Speaking on the development, Akinpelu—who served as National Publicity Secretary in the dissolved NEC—lamented that Balogun had refused to vacate office to pave the way for the constitution of a caretaker committee that would oversee the affairs of the organization pending the emergence of a new NEC.

He accused Balogun of attempting to cling to power and deliberately stoking tension within the organization.

“In his bid to sit tight in office, Sadam is trying to ignite violence within the organization. This development was reported to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos,” Akinpelu said.

He added that the matter was also reported to the police at Zone 2 Command in Onikan, Lagos, where members involved in the dispute were invited.

According to him, the police subsequently asked all parties to sign an undertaking committing themselves to maintaining peace across Lagos and other states in Yorubaland pending the outcome of investigations into the leadership dispute.

“

We are still waiting for the report of police findings when Sadam, alongside the Secretary of the dissolved NEC, Chief Bayo Oyename, came out with the purported letter of expulsion without consultation or approval from the Elders’ Council,” he said.

Akinpelu maintained that under the OPC New Era constitution, only the Elders’ Council has the authority to discipline or expel leaders of the organization.

He therefore declared that the purported expulsion would not stand.

The OPC leader further accused Balogun of deliberately planning to trigger violence within the group, contrary to the collective resolution of senior leaders who had agreed that the leadership tussle must not degenerate into bloodshed.

The development highlights growing tensions within the OPC New Era as members await the outcome of police investigations and a possible resolution to the leadership dispute.

IWD: NASFAT Oyo Zone 1, Women Management Celebrates International Women's Day

... Urges Women to Train Their Children 

The NASRULAHIL Fatih Society (NASFAT), Oyo Zone 1, Women Management Committee comprises Ibadan and Ibarapa on Saturday celebrated 2026 World International Women's Day with March pass, Awards of recognition and presentation of gifts for Quran and Quic competition for female children participants to mark the (IWD) day. 

The celebration was held at the NASFAT Headquarters, Samonda, Ibadan with the Theme: "Give to Take" where women gathered in their hundred to celebrate their annual special day.

In his welcome address, the past zonal Chairman, also the chairman of the occasion, Alhaji. Razak Fadahunsi enjoined women to continue to be resilient and uphold the moral values and dignity in them and also support their husband to train their children so that they can be useful to the  society.

Fadahunsi said. "International Women's Day is not just a one day off, it is something we can be celebrating everyday, because we have to celebrate our women for their perseverance, most importantly, the vital roles they played in the society.

In his opening remarks, former NASFAT zonal Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olaosebikan charged women to be united and strong, saying that, that is what they can do to fight their cause any where they find themselves in the world.

He said. "International Women's Day is the day set aside for the whole world to know that women folks are more recognized in our society and to challenge them to play their roles as it expected of them among the committee of women in the world.

Olaosebikan urged women to give their children good home training, sound education with moral behavior just as he admonished them to spend more resources for the work of Allah in order to receive more blessings from God.

The Zonal Women Affairs Secretary of the programme, Alhaja Khadijat Monilade Busari said women are the pillar and the builder of the society hinting that, the role the women played in the society cannot be over emphasized.

Alhaja Busari added further that women should recognize their purpose from the surface of the earth and continue to play their positive role in building and support to the humanity.

Ends ........