Just in: Ambode Declares 2027 Governorship Ambition, Backs Tinubu’s Re-election

 

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Lagos, while also pledging full support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ambode made his position known in Badagry during a sensitisation programme on Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration.

Speaking through the Director General of the Tinubu-Ambo Support Group, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, the former governor urged residents to register and collect their PVCs ahead of the polls.

He described President Tinubu as a visionary leader who had laid a strong foundation for national development, stressing that a second term in office would consolidate on ongoing achievements.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven his capacity to lead this country with vision and courage. I call on Lagosians and Nigerians at large to ensure he gets a second term in 2027 so we can all continue to benefit from his progressive leadership,” Ambode said.

On his own ambition, Ambode noted that he was offering himself to serve Lagos once again, with a renewed vision to build on past gains and tackle present challenges.

According to Bamigbade, the sensitisation drive was designed to mobilise citizens for active participation in the democratic process.

“Our message is clear: no PVC, no voting. We believe both President Tinubu and Mr. Ambode represent continuity, progress, and people-focused governance,” he stated.

Eleyele Water Scheme Gets Boost As Oyo Government Enhances Supply

...Eleyele Water Scheme Gets Boost As  Oyo Government  Enhances Supply

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing adequate water supply to residents of Eleyele and its environs. 

This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of Water Corporation of Oyo State, Hon. Elias Adeojo, during a sensitisation programme on the Corporation’s services held for residents of the Eleyele/Ologuneru areas of the State.

The Chairman stated that the Corporation has recently stepped up its efforts, despite limited resources, to ensuring  availability of potable water to residents. He added that the success recorded so far was made possible through the support of Governor Seyi Makinde.

According to him, the Eleyele Water Supply Scheme has been upgraded to Band “A” under the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) power supply classification. 

He noted that adequate power supply is essential for improved service delivery by the Corporation.

 Hon. Adeojo reiterated that this upgrade has significantly enhanced water supply to the scheme and adjoining communities. He further explained that the Eleyele Scheme provides potable water to Letmauck Barracks and the Adamasingba Stadium.

The Chairman further appealed to residents, particularly customers of the Corporation, to pay for the services rendered. He explained that revenue generated is used for  purchasing  treatment of  chemicals and  offsetting electricity bills paid to IBEDC, which are critical to sustaining water supply operations.

Oyo Lawmaker , Comforter Commissions Amotekun Building, Other Mega Projects, Empowers Residents in Ibadan North

 .•• Adopt Four-Year-Old Girl in her Constituency for Child’s Education for Life, Ensuring Her Full Educational Development.

The lawmaker representing Ibadan North Constituency I. in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olufunke Comforter Adeniyi-Olajide, has commissioned some strategic community projects in her Constituency just as she implemented a large -scale empowerment programme to mark her birthday.

The grand finale of the event, held at Mount Olivet Grammar School, Ashi Bodija, brought together top government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, market leaders, youth groups and party faithful from across the constituency.

Comforter, one of the leading Lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly organized  Massive Empowerment and Commissioning of People-Oriented Projects for her constituents by commissioning strategic community projects and implementing a large-scale empowerment programme across Ibadan North State Constituency.

 Hon. Comforter commissioned a newly built Amotekun Office at Ashi Bodija under the Western Nigeria Security Network Service , code named, (Amotekun). She also oversaw the renovation of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) shops at Yemetu, recently destroyed by fire, and the construction of boreholes with generators at Yemetu, Oje Market and Ashi Bodija. Solar lights were distributed to strengthen security and improve access to essential services in Ibadan North State Constituency 1.

The lawmaker presented cheques totaling ₦700,000 to traders affected by the market inferno and empowered over 200 trained young entrepreneurs with start-up grants and vocational tools. Food items and gas stoves were also distributed to vulnerable residents. In support of education, she announced free JAMB and NECO registration forms for 20 outstanding students of Mount Olivet Grammar School, as well as Emotional Moment Adoption of a Four-Year-Old Girl in her Constituency.

One of the most touching highlights was the adoption of a four-year-old girl, whose mother could not afford proper clothing, but who had previously emerged first in a running race at a separate community event. Mentioned in Hon. Comforter’s presence, the lawmaker pledged to sponsor the child’s education for life, ensuring her full educational development.

“We are reaching out to the needy as today is Valentine’s Day and my birthday. I feel I should celebrate with the people that I represent, my constituents.”

“All these projects are about comfort, which my name represents — Olufunke Comforter Adeniyi-Olanide. Christ has come to comfort us.”

“I promised to bring development to their doorsteps, and I am fulfilling that destiny. They should expect more dividends of democracy.”

She assured that if given another opportunity to serve, her constituents would see even more impactful development projects.

Speaking after commissioning the projects, the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, praised the people of Ibadan North State Constituency for their political maturity. He emphasized that the party is not preparing for war in 2027 but remains committed to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.

“The boreholes and all the great projects are not for the use of PDP lovers alone, but for the general use of all the constituents, irrespective of political affiliation, urging residents to maintain the projects for long-term benefit.

Present at the event were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun, praised Hon. Comforter’s dedication to women and community development and Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (Fola DON), representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

The Ibadan North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Seun Olufade, attended alongside the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Adeniyi Bibiire. The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, was represented at the event.

Other notable attendees included PDP chieftain Ashipa, the wife of the Aare Muslim of Yoruba and Edo Land, community leaders, landlords’ associations, ward chairmen, councillors, party executives, youth representatives, and numerous other stakeholders across Ibadan North.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic cake-cutting session led by former NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola, symbolizing unity, celebration, and collective progress.

Hon. Olufunke Comforter reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to grassroots development, inclusive governance, and sustainable advancement of Ibadan North Constituency I.

Ends. ....

Oyo Govt Signs MoU with Araromi LCDA on Iyake Suspended Lake

The Oyo State Government has formally signed and presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Araromi Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for the temporary management of the Iyake Suspended Lake, Ado Awaye.

The agreement was facilitated through the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the office of the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.

Earlier, a letter of engagement had been issued to the LCDA regarding the temporary overseeing of the Iyake Suspended Lake following the expiration of the previous management’s two-year tenure.

Speaking at the presentation of the MoU document, the Commissioner described the arrangement as temporary and in line with the State Government’s commitment to ensuring proper management of its tourism assets.

“This arrangement is temporary as we are handing over to you as caretakers. Whenever the Oyo State Government decides to take over, you will be duly informed,” he stated.

He urged the LCDA officials to manage the tourist site effectively until a new investor is secured, emphasizing that the site remains the property of the Oyo State Government and not the host community.

In their separate remarks, the Acting Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mrs Abiodun Oladimeji- Dauda and the Political Head, Mr Tiamiyu Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the State Government for the confidence reposed in them.

 They assured the Ministry and by extension the Oyo State Government, of their commitment to diligent and effective management of the tourist attraction during the interim  period.

Oyo Govt Enhances Workforce Capacity, Trains 130 Civil Servants

 ...plans to expand training to All cadres 

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, has trained 130 civil servants to enhance  public service delivery in the state.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Professor Saliu Adelabu, stated this at  a 3-day workshop organized for civil servants across five cadres held  at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, Secretariat, Ibadan.   

He explained that the ministry is set to expand its capacity-building programmes to cover all cadres in the state civil service through a new initiative called ‘Project 360 Degree.

According to the commissioner, the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde is working assiduously to restore the center to its formal status as the premier training institute not only in the southwest but in the whole of Nigeria.

He pointed to the ongoing projects at the facility and the increased budgetary allocation for training as clear evidence that the Governor remains steadfast in fulfilling his promises.

 “This administration continues to prioritize workers’ welfare and training as key pillars for sustainable development, as well as the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, and the approval of the N80,000 minimum wage effective from January 2025, thus making Oyo State a pace-setter in workers’ remuneration in Nigeria.”

“In the same vein, today marks the commencement of a series of workshops of which you are beneficiaries, as this administration knows that a motivated workforce is the engine of progress.”

 

"This further underscores the unwavering commitment of the Seyi Makinde-led administration to strengthening workforce morale and equipping employees to compete effectively with their counterparts in other sectors, with the clear understanding that a healthy and satisfied workforce is the foundation of productivity and prosperity."

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr.Alade Bello, charged the participants to utilize the training as a platform to enhance their service delivery. 

He emphasized that the government expects to see  improvement in their operational performance as a result of the workshop.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, Mrs Stella Okedum reiterated the center’s commitment to designing and implementing impactful programmes aimed at strengthening the state civil service and aligning it with global best practices.

Oyo Govt Strengthens Industrial Environmental Compliance as Durante Farms Upgrades Effluent Plant

Oyo Govt Strengthens Industrial Environmental Compliance as Durante Farms Upgrades Effluent Plant

The Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to public health and environmental protection as Durante Farms Limited commenced the upgrade of its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to meet world-class standards.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Aderinto, officially flagged off the upgrade, described it as a decisive move to strengthen environmental compliance and safeguard communities across Oyo State.

 He stressed that the government remains resolute in ensuring that industries operate within approved environmental standards there by ensuring the protection of the health and safety of the citizens.

He reiterated that industries operating within the state must strictly comply with environmental regulations aimed at preventing pollution and preserving host communities.

According to the Commissioner, industries engaged in wet processing activities, including food production, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical operations, generate wastewater that must be properly treated before discharge. Without efficient treatment systems, such wastewater could contaminate groundwater and nearby water bodies with harmful chemical and biological substances.

“A properly upgraded and fully functional Effluent Treatment Plant guarantees that discharged water meets approved environmental standards and poses no threat to residents or the ecosystem,” he stated. “Compliance is not optional, and enforcement will continue to be strengthened.”

He noted that the objectives of the upgrade include minimizing environmental risks, ensuring strict regulatory compliance, enhancing operational efficiency, promoting resource recovery, and setting a sustainability benchmark for similar facilities within and beyond Oyo State.

The Commissioner commended the management of Durante Farms Limited for responding promptly to the Ministry’s directive and aligning its operations with global best practices in environmental management.

Dr. Aderinto also used the occasion to promote complementary environmental initiatives such as tree planting. He highlighted the Neem tree, popularly known as Dogonyaro, for its air-purifying properties, rapid growth, and suitability as a natural hedge around industrial and residential areas.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring, strict enforcement, and strategic collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that industrial expansion in Oyo State advances in harmony with environmental sustainability and the protection of public health.

In his remarks, the Human Resources Manager of Durante Farms Limited, Mogaji Adekola Kamorudeen, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, public health, and staff welfare.

He assured that the company prioritizes the wellbeing of host communities and ensures that its operations pose no environmental risk.

He further stressed that staff welfare remains a core value of the company, noting that Durante Farms Limited diligently implements the Federal Government’s approved minimum wage policy, reflecting its commitment to fairness, regulatory compliance, and corporate responsibility.

2027: Tinubu charged to direct political appointees to resign

 

A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Alliance for Good Governance, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to direct all the political appointees in his cabinet that are interested in the 2027 elections to resign with immediate effect.

The group made the appeal in a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Raheem Bakare and Secretary, Comrade Sunday Ayoade, respectively.

It enjoined the President to be wary of those who will be dropping his name to seek undue advantage over others, stating that as the father of the party it is important he provides level playing field for all the aspirants.

According to the group, since his foray into politics President Tinubu has always ensured that democracy thrives among the people, noting that those who are only interested in taking advantage of the goodwill of the President must be stopped. 

The group while maintaining that members of the party in the pace setter state should be allowed to choose those who will fly the flag of the party, insisted that allowing political appointees to contest without resigning their positions will be tantamount to portraying them as been super members of the party. 

It stated further that if the political appointees do not resign their positions they will take advantage to lobby their way to win the tickets of the party, stating that President Tinubu owe it to loyal party members to protect their interest.

The statement read, "We want to sincerely appeal to the leader of our great party, APC and dear President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to direct the political appointees in his administration who are interested in vying for political positions during the 2027 elections to resign immediately. By doing this it would not but provide level playing field for the the aspirants.

"It is no doubt that the President has a record of being a real democrat and we believe that issuing this directive will give assurance to the teeming members of the party and aspirants that he is the father of all who will not confer an undue advantage on any aspirant."