AWA Declares For Senate, Inaugurates 129 Coordinators Across Oyo Central Senatorial District

Alhaji (Dr.) Ademola Wasiu Alli (AWA), an aspirant for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general election, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Senate, unveiling a grassroots' political structure of 129 coordinators across the district.

The declaration was made on Friday at a maiden grassroots engagement summit held under the platform of the AWA Grassroots Mobilization Network at Eleekara, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, where 11 local government coordinators and 118 ward coordinators were inaugurated to spearhead his mobilization efforts across the senatorial district.

Addressing supporters, party stakeholders, and political associates at the event, Alli said his aspiration was driven by a desire to deploy his extensive experience in public administration and governance toward effective representation for Oyo Central at the National Assembly.

Speaking on the theme, “Building Today for Tomorrow: The AWA Solution,” the senatorial hopeful described himself as a technocrat with deep institutional knowledge of the federal government, noting that his more than three decades of service in the civil service had equipped him with the expertise required to attract federal opportunities and development to the district.

“I stand before you not as a stranger making promises, but as a son of this soil who has spent over three decades inside the systems that govern our nation,” he said.

 “When I say I will bring federal resources to Oyo Central, I speak from knowing precisely where those resources are and how to release them.”

Alli, who retired as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Defence, said his ambition aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a strategic framework for national transformation through economic diversification, infrastructure renewal, and social investment.

He pledged to provide aggressive legislative advocacy, strategic oversight, and effective constituency representation if elected, promising measurable outcomes in infrastructure, youth employment, agricultural support, healthcare, and human capital development.

The Director-General of the AWA Grassroots Mobilization Network, Mogaji Bola Akinyemi, in his welcome address, described Alli as a man of integrity, humility, and exceptional competence, saying he possesses the leadership qualities needed to represent Oyo Central effectively in the Senate.

Also speaking, former Oyo East Local Government Chairman, Otunba (Hon.) Ayodele Amuda, commended Alli and his wife for their exemplary character and urged the newly inaugurated coordinators to work diligently toward delivering the project at the grassroots.

Several dignitaries and stakeholders at the event delivered goodwill messages endorsing Alli’s aspiration, including his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ademola Alli, Olufemi Akinyemi, Sakiru Adeleke, and Alhaji AbdulAzeez Ajibade, who praised his generosity, academic accomplishments, leadership capacity, and longstanding commitment to public service.

A profile presented at the event highlighted Alli’s distinguished career in the federal civil service, including key roles at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

He was also credited for his role in Nigeria’s National Social Investment Programme between 2015 and 2019, where he helped establish accountability frameworks for the initiative as Project Accountant and Acting National Coordinator of NASSCO.

Beyond public service, the profile noted that Alli has made significant philanthropic contributions through the AWA Foundation in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, earning him the 2024 Philanthropist of the Year Award by Radio Nigeria.

The event drew attendance from party leaders, former local government chairmen, religious leaders, traditional title holders, and community stakeholders from across Oyo Central, signaling what supporters described as growing momentum behind Alli’s senatorial bid ahead of the 2027 elections.

Renovation of Olodo Hajj Camp to Begin as Oyo Targets 2026 Hajj Airlift from Samuel Ladoke Akintola Int'l. Airport

The Upgrading Committee of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, has intensified efforts to ensure that the airlift of 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from Oyo State take off from the airport, in line with the vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.

Speaking during a visit to the leadership of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and an inspection of facilities at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, on Tuesday, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, said the inspection was necessary to identify areas requiring urgent attention.

He emphasized the need to put in place essential facilities at both the Hajj Camp and the airport ahead of the visit by the assessment team from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory agencies noting that this would facilitate prompt approval.

Hon. Adekanmbi also pledged to personally support the renovation of critical facilities pending the governor’s approval and the release of funds.

He called for synergy among all relevant stakeholders to ensure the realization of the plan for 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims to depart from the Alakia Airport.

The Chairman further urged the Board to submit its proposal promptly to enable the renovation work to commence without delay.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP acknowledged the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde and the committee on the ongoing airport upgrade, saying that the pace of work at the airport is quite commendable .

Sheikh Atere revealed that the Board has made significant progress , which he attributed to continued support received from the governor.

 

Highlighting the achievements of the Board and its challenges, Sheikh Atere appreciated Hon. Adekanmbi for the gesture extended to the Board . 

 

AJIBOLA MOGAJI DESIGNATE CONGRATULATES OLUBADAN ON THE INAUGURATION OF IBADAN COMMUNITY GUARDS

The Mogaji Designate , Chief Ajibola Suraju, ZurryMania of France congratulated His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr ) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1) on the inauguration of Ibadan Community Guards to strengthen community and grassroot security through out Ibadanland on Thursday 

The congratulatory message was contained in the press release he issued and given to journalists at his family compound Aliyu Oyabisehin Babakekere compound, Oke Aare, Ibadan 

The newly inaugurated security personnel are expected to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the protection of life and property throughout the nunks and crannies of Ibadanland 

Describing the inauguration of such community security personnel as the first in Oyo State, Ambassador ( Chief) Ajibola Babatunde expressed his gratitude to Olubadan for his vision and mission for  the eleven Local Governments in Ibadan in terms of Economic Rejuvenation, resuscitation of moribund industries, promotion of Agricultural practice, peaceful co - existence and efficient security 

The Mogaji Elect called on all sons, daughters and residents of Ibadanland to join hands with the His Imperial Majesty to ensure safety of life and property 

Chief Ajibola Babatunde assured the monarch of his commitment to the unity , progress and development of the ancient city of Ibadan 

The Mogaji Designate urged the Ibadan Indigenes within and in diaspora to continue praying for Oba Ladoja's  sound health, wisdom and longevity of life to have Ibadan of our dream

Step Down Your Ambition, Respect Rotational Arrangement, PDP Ibadan North East/South East Ward Leaders Tells Hon. Agboworin

 

Leaders across the ward of the Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency have appealed to a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency, Hon.Adigun Abas Agboworin to Voluntarily  Withdral from the 2027 House Representatives election race in the Interest of Peace, Party Unity and Rotational Principle of the Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency.

in a statement issued by the Concerned Party Loyalists, Ibadan North-East PDP Leaders, Elders, Ward Executives.

The statement said "with utmost respect and appreciation for your dedicated and  service over the past two terms representing Ibadan South-East/North East Federal Constituency".

It continued "Your tenure has contributed to the growth and development of our constituency and we sincerely acknowledge your commitment and leadership prowess.

"As you are aware, the Ibadan North-East and Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency has a long-standing rotational arrangement in the selection of representatives, this principle has ensured equity, fairness and harmony between our local governments over the years".

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders said people of Ibadan North-East stakeholders have been loyal to Hon. Agboworin and the party throughout his tenure; hinting that, the need for party unity and peaceful engagement within the PDP is very sacrosanct.

The party stakeholders respectfully appeal to Hon. Agboworin to voluntarily step aside from the forthcoming federal representative contest to enable Ibadan North-East to present a candidate of their choice in accordance with the rotational understanding.

"demonstrate your statesmanship and respect for tradition to preserve the unity of the party and ensure that the PDP continues to command the confidence and loyalty of the people in the entire constituency".

"We remain committed to support you in your future endeavors and trust that your wisdom and foresight will guide this decision in the best interest of the party and the long-term peace of our constituency"

"We thank you for your understanding and continued leadership and we pray for the success of PDP and the advancement of our beloved constituency". The statement Said

Oyo Govt Warns Residents Against Blocking Drainages as Rains Intensify

The Oyo State government has issued a strong warning to residents on the need to maintain proper environmental practices as more rains are expected in the coming days.

Speaking in response to increasing reports of drainage blockages, the  Commissioner for environment and natural resources,hon Ademola Aderinto cautioned that indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainages and waterways could expose communities to avoidable flooding and property damage. 

He emphasized that although no major flooding is currently anticipated, localized or community flooding may occur if environmental guidelines are ignored.

According to the Commissioner, recent rainfall patterns within Ibadan and surrounding areas have been accompanied by strong storms, making it crucial for residents to take preventive measures.

 He advised residents to properly secure their homes by closing windows and doors before leaving, and to wear appropriate weather protective clothing where necessary.

More importantly, he stressed the need to protect lives, property, and environmental resources by strictly adhering to government advisories. 

He noted that the Ministry has observed an increase in indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainages since the last rainfall advisory, warning that such actions could block waterways and cause flooding that may cut off access routes during emergencies.

The Commissioner therefore urged residents to desist from disposing waste in drainages and instead comply with the state's waste management strategy. 

He also encouraged members of the public to report offenders through the OYSSS digital platform, noting that individuals who provide verifiable evidence of violations may be rewarded.

“More rains are expected this week and next week. We must all take this advisory seriously to avoid preventable damage to homes, properties, and communities,” he stated.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the environment and called on residents to play their part by keeping drainages free of waste and supporting government efforts to maintain a clean and safe environment

Oyo NUJ Mourns Renowned Oke Ogun Publisher, Chief Okiki Abiola

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Okiki Abiola, the pioneering community newspaper publisher, 

Chief Abiola was dedicated rights activist, and a warm-hearted individual whose life was marked by service to humanity and the advancement of the media profession.

In a condolence statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, and the Secretary, Temidayo Adu, the Council described the late Chief Abiola as a towering figure in grassroots journalism whose contributions to community development and information dissemination in Oke Ogun and beyond remain indelible.

The statement noted that Chief Abiola, through his Oke Ogun Newspapers, gave voice to the people at the grassroots, amplifying their concerns, promoting accountability, and fostering development in underserved communities. His commitment to truth and justice earned him widespread respect across profession

Arc. Mogbonjubola Celebrates Christians, Preaches Hope and Renewal at Easter

The Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Oyo State, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, has extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across the state and beyond as they commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his Easter message, the Commissioner described the season as a solemn yet hopeful period that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, love, humility, and redemption. 

He noted that the resurrection of Christ signifies victory over despair and offers renewed hope for individuals and the nation at large.

Arc. Mogbonjubola urged Christians to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ by promoting peace, unity, tolerance, and selfless service to humanity. According to him, these values are critical for fostering sustainable development and strengthening societal harmony.

He further encouraged residents of Oyo State to use the Easter period to pray for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to delivering quality infrastructure and improving transportation systems for the benefit of all citizens.

He concluded by wishing all Christians a peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling Easter celebration.