OYO APPROVES N5.8BN FOR CIRCULAR ROAD PROPERTY OWNERS

The Oyo State Executive Council meeting, chaired by the State Governor, has approved compensation for over 900 property owners whose lands were affected by the ongoing construction of the Ibadan Circular Road

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, a total of N5,813,000,000 (Five Billion, Eight hundred and Thirteen Million Naira) will be paid to these categories of people.

The Council noted that the compensation will not only put a stop to the agitation and misinformation surrounding this laudable project, but will also pave the way for accelerated planning and development, foster investors' confidence, and bring to reality the vision of a transformed urban development of Ibadan and Oyo State as conceived by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The Council recalled that over N800,000,000 (Eight Hundred Million Naira) had earlier been paid in the first phase as compensation for  displaced  persons  in the past 18 months 

According to the Information Commissioner, Oyo State is one of the few states in the Federation that has continued to support the masses since the removal of the fuel subsidy

The introduction of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), set up by the State Government since 2023, has positively impacted the lives of the masses through interventions such as food relief/palliatives, health insurance, MSME support, and transportation

The Council also approved the sum of N710,382,000 (Seven Hundred and Ten Million, Three Hundred and Eighty- Two Thousand Naira) to cover transportation subsidy for the period between March and August 2026.

Prince Dotun Oyelade recalled that last year alone, over 4 million commuters, including pensioners, students, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, benefited from between 50 and 100 percent transportation subsidies in the State.

The State Executive Council noted the strategic importance of the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Okaka Junction–Otu–Igbeti–Kishi road and the construction of bridges over the Otu and Ofiki rivers at a cost of N26,482,664,000 (Twenty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four thousand naira)

Council also approved the expansion of this project by N3,981,431,000 (Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand Naira)

According to the Information Commissioner, Council further approved the completion of the Oyo State Christian Wing multipurpose hall, which was initiated over 25 years ago during the administration of Governor Lam Adesina

He said that the  completion will cost N126,912,000 (One Hundred and Twenty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Twelve Thousand Naira)

Prince Oyelade added further that In continuation of the Administration’s belief in entrenching the State's  culture and expanding it's global potentials,  Council approved the hosting of the Year 2026 Oyo state International Tourism Summit, stressing that  the Council believed that the approval will consolidate the huge successes recorded in previous editions.

Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Cultural promotion

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage by launching its cultural anthem.

Speaking at the Press Conference heralding activities towards the year 2026 World Egungun Festival at the Cultural Centre,Mokola,Ibadan,

the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, described the festival as a significant cultural asset that continues to showcase the rich traditions of the Yoruba people to the global community.

 He noted that the World Egungun Festival has gained international recognition, attracting tourists, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the world.

Olatubosun disclosed that this year’s edition will feature a wide range of activities including

the official launch of the Cultural Anthem, with lyrics written by the Honourable Commissioner and contributions from key stakeholders, including Chief Dipo Gbenro, Mr. Biodun Adekanbi, Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, Mr. S.A. Agboola, and the Oyo State Cultural Troupe, cultural exhibitions, symposiums, and community engagements aimed at deepening awareness and appreciation of Yoruba heritage.

According to him, over 150 Egungun from Oyo State, neighbouring states, and the diaspora are expected to participate, alongside more than 120 cultural groups and stakeholders in a colourful cultural parade.

He said The Brazilian Ministry of Culture has also indicated interest in future collaboration, while the British High Commission is expected to deliver a goodwill message",the Olatunbosun revealed.

The Commissioner called on stakeholders, private organizations, and the media to partner with the government to ensure the success of the festival, stressing that such collaboration is vital for boosting cultural tourism and economic development.

He further revealed that awards and prizes would be presented to outstanding participants in various categories, including the most spectacular Egungun, most entertaining performance, and most colourful group. 

Also speaking at the press conference, Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, highlighted the academic significance of Egungun tradition. 

He noted that the symposium will explore the cultural, historical, and socio-economic relevance of Egungun, including its impact on fashion, theatre, and the creative economy.

 He also advocated for the use of indigenous terminology in cultural discourse especially the word "Egungun."

In her remarks, Mrs. Omobolanle Senbanjo of the Sahara Centre, Lagos, emphasized the importance of examining the evolving nature of Egungun within the context of modern society. 

She stated that the symposium, themed; “The Creative Economy of Egungun: Tradition, Tension and Transformation,” will explore how traditional practices adapt to globalization and digital innovation.

The Chairman of Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association in Oyo State, representing the global body, commended the Commissioner for supporting cultural initiatives, including the recognition of Isese Day, and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of the Egungun tradition.

Activities will commence with a symposium on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Local Government Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, while the grand finale will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

Dignitaries expected at the festival include the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as Special Guest of Honour, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, as Royal Father of the Day, and the Honourable Minister for Culture and Tourism.

The 2026 World Egungun Festival is expected to attract over 18,000 participants and further position Oyo State as a leading destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

ASOLANG CONSULTING FIRM PARTNERS WITH OYSCOHEST ON NATIONAL SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

 

A six Level National Vocational Qualifications Framework has been approved  for Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council. 

To this end, the Framework has recognised Vocational and Technical  Qualifications Structure within the  National Education System and Standards and directed placement of same in the scheme of Service. 

According to a statement , the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework NSQF is aimed at promoting Life Long learning and providing Quality Assurance and Recognition. 

To ensure the speedy implementation of the skill Acquisition Framework in Oyo State an  Awareness programme was held by a Consulting Firm in partnership with Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology Eleyele Ibadan  to draw the attention of workers , individuals, and retirees  to the need for acquiring technical skill for sustenance  . 

The National Skills qualification Framework programmes to be run under the partnership arrangements include Hospitality and catering, Travels and Tourism, Event Decorations, Horticulture Production, Web Application Production, Social media Production, Creative Media Production, Satellite Installation and Maintenance. 

Others include photography and Cinematography, Cosmetology, Leather works, Fashion Designing and Garment Making , Health and Social Care among others . 

It would be recalled that Oyo State Ministry of Justice has approved  the National Skills Qualification Framework  programmes Proposal as submitted  by a Consulting firm in partnership with Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology  for Government ratification  for immediate take off.

Speaking at the awareness programme, the Team Lead of the ASOLANG Consulting  Firm Dr. Bimpe Aderonmu , stressed the urgent need for workers and retirees to engage and embrace skills  acquisition and Vocational skills to better their lots and  enhance better living standards. 

Dr Aderonmu commended Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology for accepting to be in partnership with the Consulting firm noting with delight that the  collaboration will go a long way in assis

ting workers and retirees in extra economic activities.

In his own remarks, the Assistant Registrar of the College Mr Oluwole Adekunle said the College had secured approval from the Ministry of Justice for legal backing for the programme noting that interested Candidates should take advantage when the programme fully commences.

The College Provost Pharmacist Mrs Oluyemisi Oyewo was the Chief Host at the Awareness event which was attended by other Principal Officers.

The Staff of the College and representatives from Ministries were not left behind .

AJIBOLA CONGRATULATES OBA LADOJA ON IBADAN CULTURAL DAY CELEBRATION

Chief Ajibola Babatunde Suraj, the Mogaji Elect of Aliyu Oyabisehin Babakekere,Oke Aare , Ibadan has felicitated  His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1)on the success of Ibadan 2026 Cultural Day Celebration of which the grand finale took place at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan recently 

The congratulatory messages were contained in the press release he personally issued and signed which were distributed among the press men at the venue of the celebration 

According to the Mogaji Elect,he is personally grateful to God Almighty for the success recorded during the celebration aimed at promoting Ibadan cultural heritage which included our ways of dressing, dancing,the cordial/ mutual relationship in Ibadan , preservation of Ibadan cultural values and peaceful co -existence of the indigenes and residents in Ibadanland 

Olubadan is the symbol of Ibadan culture, no wonder his focus is on the progress and development of Ibadanland in the areas of agriculture, security of life and property, economic emancipation,youth employment through the resuscitation of the moribund industries and the establishment of the new ones 

" I heartily congratulate the paramount ruler,the Olubadan of Ibadanland, members of Olubadan - In - Council and other traditional title holders in Ibadanland ", he further said

Chief Ajibola Suraju Babatunde who is the Special Adviser to Omo Ajorosun Traditional System Foundation hereby congratulated members and leaders of CCII and give a special kudos to the organizing committee of this year Ibadan Cultural Day Celebration led by Mogaji Moshood Akere for their fantastic performance.

Chief Ajibola appreciated the efforts of the Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde for his achievements in the areas of security, employment and good governance which has attracted different people from all walks of life particularly the investors to Ibadan as well as Oyo State

The Mogaji Designate, Chief Ajibola Babatunde recognized the support received from his family members of Aliyu Oyabisehin Babakekere dynasty, Oke Aare, Ibadan for the confidence reposed in him as their Mogaji  Designate 

The illustrious son of Ibadan congratulated all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland on the huge success of Ibadan 2026  Cultural Day Celebration adding that they should not forget their root but instead collaborate with His Imperial Majesty ,Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja in his efforts to take Ibadanland to a greater height.

Ibadan Travel & Tourism Expo (ITTE) 2026 Rescheduled

The organisers of the Ibadan Travel & Tourism Expo (ITTE) 2026 hereby announce the rescheduling of the upcoming edition of the Expo, originally scheduled to hold in April 2026 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

This decision follows extensive consultations with key local and international partners, stakeholders, and industry collaborators, all of whom collectively support the vision of delivering a more impactful, inclusive, and globally competitive edition of the Expo.

The consultations highlighted the need to allow for broader international participation, as a growing number of partners, speakers, and institutions have expressed strong interest in participating in ITTE 2026. The revised timeline will ensure their full integration into the Expo’s programmes and activities.

The additional time will also be utilized to deepen strategic collaborations, strengthen institutional engagements, and expand participation across both public and private sector stakeholders, thereby enhancing overall value for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees.

Furthermore, the rescheduling will enable further improvements in event planning, logistics coordination, exhibition experience, and overall production quality, ensuring a seamless and world-class delivery of the Expo at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The safety, comfort, and ease of participation of all delegates remain a top priority. This adjustment reflects a commitment to ensuring optimal conditions for engagement, networking, and meaningful business outcomes.

Ultimately, this decision reflects a deliberate strategic direction to deliver not just an event, but a transformative platform that strengthens tourism development, fosters partnerships, and positions Ibadan as a leading hub for tourism dialogue and investment in Africa.

A new date for ITTE 2026 will be announced in due course. All partners, sponsors, and registered participants will be duly informed and appropriately accommodated.

We sincerely appreciate the continued support, trust, and understanding of all stakeholders as we work towards delivering an exceptional edition of the Ibadan Travel & Tourism Expo.

Signed:

Amb. Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye

Founder/Convener

Ibadan Travel & Tourism Expo (ITTE)

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

NOTIFICATION OF OPENING OF APPLICATION FOR RECRUITMENT INTO 91 REGULAR RECRUITS INTAKE FOR TRADES and NON -TRADESMEN and WOMEN 

This is to inform the General Public that online application for the Nigerian Army Recruitment Exercise 91 Regular Recruits Intake for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women has commenced from 30th March and will close on 17th. May, 2026 for all interested and qualified candidates from Oyo State. 

The application form is free and is available online at https:recruitment.army.mil.ng.

All applicants will be screened and qualified applicants will be shortlisted to attend the physical screening exercise at the State Recruitment Center, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan. Oyo State. 

Interested Male and Female indigenes of Oyo State who wish to apply are hereby advised to obtain Oyo State Indigenship Certificate at Room 53, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan or Liaison Offices at Abuja and Lagos to confirm that they are bonafide candidates of Oyo State origin. 

Listeners are enjoined to please circulate this information to eligible indigenes of Oyo State for general awareness that Nigerian Army Recruitment 91 Regular Recruits Intake for Trades and Non-Tradesmen and Women has commenced from 30th March and will close on 17th. May, 2026 for all interested and qualified indigenes of Oyo State. 

Thank you. 

                 ANNOUNCER

       Professor Musibau Babatunde 

Secretary to the Oyo State Government

One Tree Cannot Make a Forest’: OPC Leader Tells Alaafin Unity Must Precede Security Push

 

 A national leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Comrade Adesina Akinpelu, has said the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, cannot single-handedly enhance the security of Yorubaland.

Comrade Akinpelu stated this in Ibadan on Monday while reacting to a call by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, urging Iba Gani Adams to enhance policing in Yorubaland.

Oba Owoade had charged the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland to commence wide-ranging consultations for local and traditional interventions with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders to stem the wave of insecurity in Yorubaland.

In a statement by his Director of Culture and Public Relations, Ademola Adeniyi, the Alaafin said the initiative was aimed at establishing practical, community-driven support systems that would complement formal security structures, particularly in intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms.

It will be recalled that gunmen, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, attacked forest guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, at about 11:30 p.m., killing five Nigeria Park Service officers in their office.

There were also reports of four farmers killed in Igboho, in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state, while the abduction of a nursing mother and her child in Supare/Ajegunle in Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State has heightened fear in some communities in the region.

But reacting to this on Monday, Akinpelu insisted that Iba Gani Adams cannot fight the battle with one hand tied behind his back, urging Oba Owoade to first ensure unity among the different factions of OPC.

“One tree cannot make a forest,” Akinpelu said, recalling that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye Ojaja, had long called for the harmonization of the four different factions of OPC, in order to be better positioned to tackle the lingering insecurity in Yorubaland.

Akinpelu explained that while three factions of the Yoruba sociocultural group had agreed to embrace unity, only the Iba Gani Adams-led faction remains adamant.

He, therefore, called on the Alaafin to first put his house in order by uniting the OPC for effective policing across Yorubaland.