2026 Digital Hackathon : Oyo SSG, Hon. RAD, Kazeem Bolarinwa Charges Youth to Be Resilient, Innovative

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, has charged youths to remain resilient, innovative and committed to personal development as part of efforts to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the country at large.

Professor Babatunde gave this charge at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by the Bureau of ICT and Digital Innovations, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspiration.”  The event, which featured the Hackathon 2026 Youth Presentation, was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Secretary to the State Government emphasised the importance of personal commitment, continuous self-development and goal setting, urging the young participants to take responsibility for their growth by setting clear and achievable targets and remaining committed to attaining them.

He noted that opportunities for learning and development would only produce meaningful results when matched with discipline, determination and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Professor Babatunde urged the interns to see the Hackathon and the digital skills acquired during the programme as opportunities to build their capacity and contribute meaningfully to the development of Oyo State and society at large.

The interns, who are under the supervision of the Management Information Centre (MIC), Governor’s Office, Oyo State, were drawn from different backgrounds and given the opportunity to demonstrate the digital skills acquired during their internship.

The guest speaker and Chairman/CEO of Olanreforward Foods Limited, Mr. Olanrewaju, admonished the interns to be more creative in their practical application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), noting that such skills would enhance their opportunities as the world continues to evolve into a global village.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Bayo Akande, said the interns were expected to identify gaps and challenges within the State Secretariat during their engagement.

Akande expressed optimism that the innovations presented at the Hackathon would provide solutions to some of the identified challenges, while also having the potential to address problems beyond the Secretariat and contribute to the overall development of Oyo State.

He announced gifts for the First, Second and Third-place winners in recognition of their outstanding innovative projects.

In her goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD), commended the initiative, describing it as a laudable effort to equip young people with relevant digital skills for the future.

The Director of Youth Mobilization, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa tasked the youth to take advantage of available opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop innovative ideas and contribute positively to society.

Hon. Bolarinwa hinted further that the  Hackathon 2026 provided a platform for the interns to demonstrate the practical application of their digital skills through innovative projects, reflecting the programme’s objective of transforming youth capacity development into practical solutions capable of contributing to the development of Oyo State and beyond.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary,       Bureau of ICT & Digital Innovations, Engr. Abisola Adabanija, described the occasion as a special one, noting that it coincided with the celebration of International Youth Day.

She said the programme had provided the interns with opportunities to acquire practical knowledge and develop skills that could be applied to real-life challenges.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

August 26, 2026

New Era Foundation Celebrates Sixth Olokun Festival, Reiterates Commitment to Yoruba Heritage

The New Era Foundation for Yoruba Festival and Culture Intervention has marked the sixth edition of its annual Olokun Festival, with a renewed pledge to preserve Yoruba traditions, promote cultural identity and strengthen unity among the people.

The 2026 edition was held at Debojo Beach, Eleko, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, attracting members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and Yoruba sons and daughters from different communities.

Speaking at the celebration, President of OPC New Era, Comrade Rasak Arogundade, described the Olokun Festival as an important annual occasion for celebrating the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.

Arogundade said the festival offered participants an opportunity to come together in prayer and thanksgiving, while also seeking peace, prosperity and progress for their families and communities.

He called on members of OPC New Era to remain peaceful, responsible and committed to safeguarding Yoruba cultural values, while contributing positively to the development of their communities.

Also speaking, Chairman of OPC New Era in Oyo State, Comrade Rotimi Olumo, said the festival had continued to grow as an important gathering for people interested in Yoruba culture and traditions.

Olumo emphasised that the celebration was not restricted to OPC members, but was open to all Yoruba people and others who value the preservation of the Yoruba cultural heritage.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity for participants to pray for peace, prosperity, good health, long life and progress for the Yoruba people.

Olumo also prayed for the traditional rulers who attended the festival, asking for wisdom, good health and long reigns for them. 

He equally prayed for Arogundade, wishing him strength, wisdom and sound health to continue providing leadership for OPC New Era.

The festival featured prayers, traditional observances and cultural activities, with some participants collecting water to take home as part of their personal cultural and spiritual practices.

The celebration also featured an entertaining performance by Ibadan-born Fuji musician Taye Currency, who thrilled the audience and added excitement to the event.

The organisers said the annual Olokun Festival would remain a platform for celebrating Yoruba identity, preserving ancestral traditions, fostering unity and promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.

FG EXCLUDES MAKINDE FROM OYO EVENT - Makinde reacts

 

Oyo State Government has decried the exclusion of the state governor from the flag-off of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, which took place in Oluyole  local government  of Oyo State today.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he said the deliberate exclusion of Governor Makinde from the dualisation of the road is taken politics too far.

Prince Oyelade said that the ceremony, which took place at Idi Ayunre and was attended by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the APC gubernatorial candidate, Sarafadeen Alli; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, fell short of its edifying billing because of the desperate political undertone borne out of a lack of sagacity and confidence.

According to the commissioner,  the excuse that the invitation was not extended to Gov Makinde because he was on Leave makes the case even more ridiculous because there is a functional Acting governor on the ground.

The Commissioner said that Governor Seyi Makinde is unperturbed and regrets that the event was reduced to a political jamboree.

“The course of 2027 is set, and no level of indecor

um or desperation from whatever quarters will hold back the will of the people,” the Commissioner said.

80th Birthday; THE CELEBRATION OF A MATRIARCH'S MILESTONES, Honoring Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde, Mother of the Secretary to the Oyo State Government

By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan 

The Quiet Architect of Greatness behind every towering tree of success, there is a deep, unseen network of roots that holds it steady, nourishes it through dry seasons and anchors it against the wind. In the narrative of Oyo State’s  governance, few names carry the academic and administrative weight of Professor Musibau Babatunde, the current Secretary to the Oyo State Government. Yet, to understand the intellect, discipline and profound sense of public service he brings to Oyo State, one must look to the source.

 On August 23, 2026, all roads lead to a celebration of love, longevity and legacy as the matriarch of the Babatunde family, Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde, celebrates her 80th birthday.

For decades, Alhaja Rafatu has lived as a quiet force. She belongs to a generation of Nigerian women who understood that the ultimate measure of a life is not in personal accolades, but in the character and caliber of the lives they build. To look at her children, grandchildren and the community she has nurtured is to witness a masterclass in intentional parenting.

​In Yoruba culture, the title Iya (Mother) is not merely a biological description; it is an institution of leadership. Alhaja Rafatu Alake has worn this crown with unparalleled grace. Through seasons of sacrifice and triumph, she has remained the steady anchor of her home proving that quiet waters run incredibly deep.

To truly appreciate the journey of Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde is to understand the values she chose to build her life upon. Long before her son walked the halls of the University of Ibadan as an acclaimed Professor of Economics, or stepped into the state house as a trusted cabinet member, Alhaja Rafatu was teaching the fundamental principles of Omoluabi the Yoruba concept of character, integrity and honor.

 As an Alhaja, her relationship with the Almighty Allah has been her guiding light. Her life is a living testament to the power of prayer. For her family, her prayer mat has been a sanctuary place where the futures of her children were fought for and won.

 She believed deeply that honest labor is the only true path to sustainable success. She taught her household that there are no shortcuts to greatness and that diligence eventually stands before kings, not mean men.

 Alhaja Rafatu’s doors have never been shut to those in need in her former house at Oke-Bola where she spent so many years, even at her permanent apartment at Ire Akari Estate, Akala Express, Oluyole extension, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital. 

In her neighborhood, she is revered not just as a mother to her biological children, but as a counselor, a comforter, and a pillar of strength for the vulnerable.

 She did not just pray for her children to succeed; she built the character in them that could withstand the weight of that success.

 She ensured that her children received the greatest gift a parent can bestow: a solid foundation of faith and a commitment to education. The intellectual rigor and absolute integrity that Professor Musibau Babatunde exhibits in public office today are direct reflections of the lessons taught at Alhaja Rafatu’s feet. She raised leaders because she lived as one.

​

 As the calendar turns to August 23, 2026, this birthday is far more than just another year added to a life. It is a celebration of a golden harvest.

 There is no greater joy for a mother than to sit in the shade of the trees she planted and nurtured. Today, Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde watches her children occupy positions of immense responsibility, steering the economic and administrative wheels of Oyo State, and making profound contributions to academia and national development. 

She watches her grandchildren grow under the canopy of the good name she is meticulously preserved.

 For the current Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, celebrating his mother on this day is an act of deep gratitude. It is a public and private acknowledgment that the brilliance of his academic career and the honor of his public service are fruits from her branch.

As family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across Oyo State and beyond join the Babatunde family to celebrate this remarkable woman, the collective prayer is for continued health, joy, and peace.

 Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde has run a beautiful race of motherhood, faith, and community impact. As she marks her birthday on August 23, 2026, she stands not just as a mother to her household, but as a treasured matriarch to an entire generation of achievers.

​Happy Birthday, Alhaja Rafatu Alake Babatunde! May your light continue to shine brightly.

However, Alhaja Kudirat Babatunde is the First born of the celebrant described her mother as a trailblazer. "I am so happy that we want to celebrate our mother, we used to call him Iya Ewe, she is a prayer warrior".

Interestingly. A very  close ally of the celebrant, Mrs Bashirat Quadri said. "We are neighbors, I watched her character very closely, she is always after how her children will succeed, in fact her character is worthy of emulation".

Miss Oluwakemi Ayeni is the ground daughter of Alhaja Babatunde, she is a graduate of Philosophy at the University of Ibadan, she grew up with her grandmother, Alhaja Babatunde at popular Oke-Bola area in Ibadan.

She said she learned humility and courage from his grandmother and also believe so much in her hard work.

Miss Olufunke Davies prayed for her grandmother's long life in good health and sound knowledge, she said she learned a lot from her.

Mrs Aderemi Davis is a practicing nurse from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, she described her mother as a woman of substance (Abiamo ni won), hard working and epitome of humility (mama ko eyan mon ra gan).

Mogaji Adegoke Adeleye is an  in-law to tthe celebrant, Alhaja Rafat Babatunde. He  said, he knows Alhaja Babatunde about Two decades ago when Professor Musibau Babatunde wanted to get married to her daughter, he described the celebrant as a cool and calm person.

Mogaji said. "She is a good mother in-law to my daughter, she is a good woman loved by many, you cannot even know she has clocked 80 years the way she  interact with the people, infact, her character is worthy of emulation. I wish her a happy birthday" .

Babatunde Aishat is the ground daughter of Alhaja Rafatu Babatunde, the celebrant . She said her grandmother relates well with everybody in the family.

Professor Musibau Babatunde is the Secretary to the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, he described her mother as a prayer warrior, she believes so much in prayer and God.

Meanwhile, an Ancient Greek Scholar and Philosopher "Aristocles Plato"  said  "Old age: A great sense of calm and freedom. When the passions have relaxed their hold, you may have escaped, not from one master but from many."

Congratulations, Alhaja Rafat Alake Babatunde on your 80th Birthday. 

Abiodun Atilola,

Head of Media and Publicity.

Office of the Secretary to the Oyo State Government.

Oyo Head of Service Calls for Unity, Collaboration on Development of Ibarapaland

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, has called on sons and daughters of Ibarapaland to unite and collaborate towards bringing meaningful development to their various towns and communities in the Ibarapa zone of the State.

Dr. Fasina made this call at the Maiden Grand Reception and Awards Recognition Ceremony in honour of distinguished Ibarapa sons and daughters, organised by the Ibarapa Critical Stakeholders Forum (ICSF) at Damola Hall, Eruwa, Oyo State.

The Head of Service charged Ibarapa stakeholders to embrace unity and harness the talents, achievements and collective strength of the people of the zone for the benefit of present and future generations.

She urged the forum to provide strategic engagement, recognise excellence and promote collective action towards achieving sustainable growth and development across Ibarapaland.

Dr. Fasina also called on the ICSF to promote unity and constructive dialogue, noting that, such initiatives would encourage young people to aspire to excellence, leadership and service to their communities.

She hinted that Civil Service demands dedication, integrity, professionalism and a willingness to put the interests of the public above personal considerations.

The Head of Service charged Ibarapa Sons and Daughters to remain committed to excellence in whatever field of endeavour they choose for themselves.

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the forum, Sanitarian Siji Ganiyu, urged all the honourees to use their positions, knowledge and influence to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ibarapaland.

Ganiyu explained that the Ibarapa Critical Stakeholders Forum is a community-oriented platform established to bring together eminent sons and daughters, professionals, traditional leaders, public servants, academics, business leaders and other stakeholders committed to the development of the zone.

He appealed to honourees to deploy their knowledge, experience, influence and resources for the common good and sustainable development of the Ibarapa zone.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, appreciated the organisers of the indigenous awards ceremony for their ingenuity and genuine love for their fatherland.

The forum honoured the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Dr. Mofoluwake Ibitoye, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba and 15 other distinguished honourees.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

August 22, 2026

Ibarapa Critical Stakeholders to Honour Oyo Head of Service, Varsity V.C, Others

 

The Ibarapa Critical Stakeholders Forum (ICSF) will on Saturday, August 22, 2026, host its “Grand Reception and Recognition Ceremony in Honour of Distinguished Ibarapa Sons and Daughters” at the Damola Event Centre, opposite Baptist Grammar School, Lanlate Road, Orita, Eruwa, Oyo State, at 10:00 a.m.

In a statement issued and signed by Mr. Eweoya Olusegun the event is designed to celebrate outstanding sons and daughters of Ibarapaland for their contributions to public service, leadership, academia, security, and national development.

Leading the honourees as Principal Honouree is the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina, mni.

Other distinguished honourees include:

Major General Ayobami Fadairo, General Officer Commanding, 82 Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army.

Others are Hon. Justice Yemi Saubana Adekunle, Oyo State High Court of Justice; Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, 14th Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan;

Prof. Olanrewaju Ademola Olaniyan, Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo;

Prof. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi, Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.

Engr. Olufemi Emmanuel Dare, Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State,

CP Hammed Sule, Force Communication Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja;

Mrs. Funmilayo Bosede Akintunde, Registrar, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa,

Mr. Jacob Olusegun Olaewe, Bursar, Federal College of Education, Okene;

Mrs. Adejuwon Bolatito Sekinah, FCA, Bursar, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.

 Permanent Secretaries including Dr. (Mrs.) Kafilat Adefunke Hamzat, Prince Imran Adegoke Adenrele, JP, Mr. Muyiwa Sunday Olagoke, Mr. Zacheaus Olawale Olaniyan, Mr. Biliaminu Oketade Aderinto, Mr. Oluwatosin Adekunle Aderibigbe, and Dr. Mofoluwake Moriyike Ibitoye.

Expected dignitaries at the event include the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; and other distinguished personalities.

ICSF is a non-partisan, community-oriented platform committed to unity, sustainable socio-economic development, youth mentorship, and strategic engagement for the advancement of Ibarapaland.

Oyo Govt. Declares Thursday, Public Holiday to Mark Isese Day

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has declared Thursday 20th. August, 2026 as a work- free day to mark "Isese Day" celebration in Pacesetter State. 

In a statement issued and signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government Professor Musibau Babatunde urged people to used the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the State  and the country in general.

The statement said "The Oyo State Governor, His, Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has graciously declared Thursday 20th August, 2026, a work-free day to mark " Isese day" celebration in Oyo State".

The statement added further that "His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the Peace, Unity and stability of the State in particular and the country in general".

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

August 19, 2026.