Oyo Consolidates Civil Service Modernisation, Beefs Up Security, Procures 100 Vehicles

The Oyo State Government has approved the release of ₦900,000,000 (Nine Hundred Million Naira) as counterpart funding for the construction of 68km roads across the state.

The counterpart funding will ensure that the state government accesses ₦16,273,711,000 (Sixteen Billion, Two Hundred Seventy-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Eleven Thousand Naira) from two International Financial Bodies: the International Development Association (IDA) and the Lagence Francaise Development Agency (AFI).

In a release after the executive council meeting held at the Executive Council Chamber, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that with the executive council’s approval of the counterpart funding, many critical road maintenance works will commence.

According to him, these include  the rehabilitation of the 8.43km Fashola Farm Settlement, the 37km Alako/Idi-Iya/Batake/Olowa Farm Settlement and Ijaye roads.

The 22km Oloko/Oyo Junction and Ikere roads will also be affected, among others.

The executive council also approved the improvement of the Light-Up Oyo State infrastructure, which has now extended beyond Ibadan metropolis, at a total cost of ₦2,602,800,000 (Two Billion, Six Hundred and Two Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) as operational and maintenance expenditure for the year 2026.

Council also approved the upward review of the contract sum for the Oyo State Business Process Automation (BPA) project.

According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, this project, which was the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde since 2022, is focused on modernizing the civil service through technology.

The project, which was initially awarded for ₦400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million Naira), will now be awarded for ₦578,035,714 (Five Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Thirty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fourteen Naira) in the light of contemporary economic reality.

Some of the benefits of the Business Process Automation (BPA) project are to streamline civil service operations, strengthen record management and accountability across MDAs, enhance the speed and quality of government services to the public, and train technical staff to ensure long-term maintenance of the software solution.

In pursuit of its objective to keep Oyo State safe and secured  Council also approved the purchase of 100 double-cabin pick-up trucks (80 Mitsubishi L200 and 20 Toyota Hilux) at a cost of ₦5,772,500,000 (Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

2027: Oyo NUJ Chairman Seeks Google’s Support for Fact-Checking Platform

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, has appealed to Google Africa to develop a fact-checking platform for journalists in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abas made the appeal during his opening remarks at a one-day training on AI Gemini organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists,  NUJ Oyo State Council in collaboration with Google Africa for 100 journalists in the State.

He said the proposed platform would enable journalists and members of the public to verify news reports and multimedia content before dissemination, particularly during the election period. 

According to him, the growing use of artificial intelligence tools to generate misleading content poses a serious threat to credible information sharing and the integrity of the 2027 polls.

Abas explained that the platform, if developed, would help reveal the sources and authors of news reports and other digital materials, thereby promoting transparency and credibility in the media space.

He added that such an initiative would contribute to peaceful, credible and hitch-free elections.

The training, which was the second in the series, was designed to equip media professionals across print and broadcast platforms with modern digital skills, improve newsroom productivity and enhance the practice of journalism in the state. 

On his part, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the training as timely, considering the growing impact of emerging technologies on media practice. He urged journalists to apply the knowledge gained to uphold professionalism.

Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju; Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Chief Dotun Olaitan; and a veteran journalist, Mrs. Bose Oyewole, commended the initiative.

They described the training as a valuable opportunity that would  reposition journalism and prepare practitioners for future challenges in the profession.

Farewell to a Scholar: Prof. Biodun Jeyifo Laid to Rest on March 4

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

A renowned literary scholar, Emeritus Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, will be laid to rest in Ibadan on March 4, his family has announced. Jeyifo, the pioneer President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He was born on 5 January 1946 and died on 11 February, aged 80. He is survived by his brother, Olu Jeyifous, children, Okunola, Lekan, and Ayoka.

According to an obituary notice posted by his son, Prof. Okunola Jeyifous on behalf of the family, funeral rites will begin on Tuesday, 3 March, with an evening of tributes at 4.00 p.m. at Omolayole Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. On Wednesday, 4 March, a lying-in-state will take place first at TOS funeral homes, Oke Ado, Ibadan from 9.00-10.00 am and later at the deceased’s residence, Jeyifous Street, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, from 11.00 a.m – 12noon. Thereafter, Interment is to be held the same day at the Anglican cemetery, St. James The Great Cathedral Burial Ground, Ijokodo, Ibadan, at 1.00 p.m.

Professor Biodun Jeyifo, a renowned Marxist cultural theorist and leading scholar of global postcoloniality, passed away on February 11 at the age of 80 due to renal failure. His death has sent shockwaves across the academic community, leaving many in grief. Jeyifo, affectionately known as BJ, was an emeritus professor of African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature at Harvard University. He was a prolific scholar, teacher, and activist who left an indelible mark on the fields of postcolonial studies, cultural theory, and African literature.

Born in Ibadan on January 5, 1946, Jeyifo's academic journey was marked by distinction and excellence. He graduated with First Class honours in English from the University of Ibadan, where he later taught before moving to the United States to pursue his doctoral degree at New York University.

Jeyifo's academic career spanned several institutions, including Cornell University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Freie University of Berlin. He was a prolific writer, with notable works including "By Popular Demand: The Yoruba Traveling Theatre of Nigeria", "The Truthful Lie: Essays in the Sociology of African Drama", and "Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics, Postcolonialism".

A dedicated teacher and mentor, Jeyifo inspired generations of students with his boundless energy, warmth, and humour. He was a champion of social justice and academic activism, serving as the first president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria.

Jeyifo's legacy extends beyond his academic work. He was a man of great compassion, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His passing is a loss to the academic community, but his work and memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

OYSCOHEST Provost, Oluyemisi Moradeke Oyewo, Bags ANAN Award of Excellence

 

The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Oyo State Branch, has conferred an Award of Excellence on the Provost of the Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, Pharmacist Mrs. Oluyemisi Moradeke Oyewo.

The award was presented in recognition of her outstanding contributions to administration and the pharmacy profession. She was among 72 distinguished personalities from various professions honoured at the event.

The ceremony, held at the Local Government House Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, attracted eminent dignitaries from within and outside the state.

Speaking at the event, the ANAN Chairman in Oyo State, Dr.  Samuel Olaloye Esanju, stated that the awardees were carefully selected following independent investigations and confirmation of their track records and contributions to humanity. He noted that the recognition was in appreciation of their commitment and positive impact on society.

Dr. Esanju congratulated the honourees and urged them to regard the awards as a call to greater service for the benefit of society.

In separate remarks, the Chairman of the Day, Deacon Kayode Adedeji Makinde, and Alhaja Adenike Olabamiji commended the organisers for recognising 72 eminent personalities and congratulated the awardees for being found worthy of the honour.

 Mrs. Oyewo expressed appreciation to ANAN for the recognition and dedicated the Award of Excellence to the College community.

She reaffirmed the commitment of OYSCOHEST to the training of middle-level healthcare providers in line with the vision of the Oyo State Government to deliver quality healthcare services to the people.

The Provost also appealed to the alumni association and other stakeholders to support the institution in its physical expansion and development, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibilities of the 93-year-old health institution.

Mrs. Oyewo further announced that admissions into the College for the 2026/2027 academic session will commence in March 2026. She added that Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions into Health Information Management, Environmental Health Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Dental Therapy are currently ongoing. Prospective candidates were advised to apply online via the institution’s  website for details on application procedures.

OYO NUJ LAUDED FOR HUMAN INVESTMENT

 

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council for recognising the importance of training and capacity building for journalists.

He said this while addressing journalists at the one-day Google Training held at the Amphitheatre Hall, Dominion Broadcast House, Ibadan.

The commissioner praised the Akeem Abass-led NUJ for correctly narrowing its focus on Artificial Intelligence training as a way of tackling the myriad of challenges facing journalism practitioners in an ever-changing and dynamic world. 

“I agree entirely with Mr Akeem Abas that AI can only endanger the jobs of journalists who refuse to learn,” Oyelade said.

He urged journalists to seize the opportunity provided by the training, stressing that the initiative would help them stay relevant, sharpen their skills, and improve professional practice.

 “The challenges of information gathering are growing by the day, and we cannot afford to be left behind,” he said, looking around the packed hall.

Oyelade, drew from his 47 years in journalism and his experience as former state vice chairman of NUJ in 1984 and 1985.

 He cited the union’s successful planning of the 2-day January AI training programme  and today's  one- day google training programme as  examples of its readiness to meet modern challenges.

Earlier, the chairman of the Oyo State NUJ, Akeem Abas,  expressed his appreciation to the dignitaries and journalists who participated in the second Artificial Intelligence training programme. He noted that the initiative, organized in partnership with Google Africa, is designed to equip journalists with digital skills and strengthen their capacity for ethical and impactful reporting.

Abas emphasized that journalists who embrace AI stand to gain a professional advantage. He also called for support in establishing a fact-checking platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 The chairman expressed gratitude to Google Africa for the collaboration, he reaffirmed the union’s strong commitment to professional excellence.

OYO NUJ LAUDED FOR HUMAN INVESTMENT

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, for recognising the importance of training and capacity building for journalists.

He said this while addressing journalists at the one-day Google training held at the Amphitheatre Hall, Dominion Broadcast House, Ibadan.

The commissioner praised the Akeem Abass-led NUJ for correctly narrowing its focus on Artificial Intelligence training as a way of tackling the myriad of challenges facing journalism practitioners in an ever-changing and dynamic world.

“I agree entirely with Mr Akeem Abas that AI can only endanger the jobs of journalists who refuse to learn,” Oyelade said.

He urged journalists to seize the opportunity provided by the training, stressing that the initiative would help them stay relevant, sharpen their skills, and improve professional practice.

“The challenges of information gathering are growing by the day, and we cannot afford to be left behind,” he said, looking around the packed hall.

Oyelade drew from his 47 years in journalism and his experience as former state vice chairman of NUJ in 1984 and 1985.

He cited the union’s successful planning of the two-day January AI training programme and today’s one-day Google training programme as examples of its readiness to meet modern challenges.

Earlier, the chairman of the Oyo State NUJ, Akeem Abas, expressed his appreciation to the dignitaries and journalists who participated in the second Artificial Intelligence training programme. He noted that the initiative, organized in partnership with Google Africa, is designed to equip journalists with digital skills and strengthen their capacity for ethical and impactful reporting.

Abas emphasized that journalists who embrace AI stand to gain a professional advantage. He also called for support in establishing a fact-checking platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The chairman expressed gratitude to Google Africa for the collaboration, and he reaffirmed the union’s strong commitment to professional excellence.

Ikeja Lawmaker Distributes Free JAMB Pins to Over 300 Students, Pledges Continued Academic Support

 

More than 300 students across Ikeja Constituency have benefited from free JAMB registration pins distributed by the lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Prince Seyi Lawal.

The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ikeja Constituency Office, drew excited applicants and their parents, as the initiative marked the third edition of the free JAMB pin distribution in the constituency.

Speaking at the event, Lawal said the programme has recorded remarkable success in previous editions, noting that beneficiaries in the first and second batches performed above average in their examinations.

“This initiative is the third series in our constituency. The first and second editions produced wonderful results, with many of our students scoring high marks in their JAMB examinations. They made me proud and encouraged me to do even more,” he said.

The lawmaker urged the students to remain focused and determined as they prepare for their examinations, stressing the importance of making their parents and the constituency proud. 

He further pledged additional rewards for outstanding academic performance, promising enhanced support for students who attain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 and above in their first year at the university.

Lawal also expressed optimism that over 100 beneficiaries would secure admission into universities of their choice this year.

Advising the students on life beyond secondary school, he encouraged them to be disciplined and selective in choosing friends at the university level.

“

At the university, you begin another stage of life. You will meet people with different characters. Choose wisely who you associate and study with, so you do not fall into bad company or cultism,” he cautioned.

In a chat with journalists after the event, the Ikeja lawmaker assured constituents of more developmental projects, especially if given the mandate for a second term in office.

“

I know where the shoe pinches and how to attend to the needs of my people. I am there to represent them as their servant, not as a leader. 

A servant listens to the complaints of the people,” he said, highlighting his track record as a grassroots politician, former Supervising Councillor, Councillor, and council leader.

The initiative has been widely commended by residents, who described it as a significant boost to educational advancement in Ikeja Constituency.