COUNCIL POLLS HOLD DEC 29 IN OYO STATE — OYELADE

The state government has confirmed that chairmanship and councillorship elections into the 33 local government councils in Oyo State will hold on December 29 this year.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he said the Executive Council, during its sitting, approved the payment of its counterpart funding to the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to begin preparations for the polls.

The elections, which will be co-funded by the state and the local government councils, will be financed at a ratio of 60 per cent by the LGAs and 40 per cent by the state.

The statement said the sum of ₦2,566,800,000 (Two billion, five hundred and sixty-six million, eight hundred thousand naira) will be paid by the LGAs, while the state will foot the balance of ₦1,711,200,000 (One billion, seven hundred and eleven million, two hundred thousand naira).

The Council also approved the release of ₦437,446,398.58 (Four hundred and thirty-seven million, four hundred and forty-six thousand, three hundred and ninety-eight naira, fifty-eight kobo) for the accreditation needs of the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University Nursing Programme.

According to the Council, this funding will assist the university's diversification drive from being solely a science and technology-oriented institution.

It will also enable the university to become self-sustaining.

The University is currently in the final accreditation process and failure to meet the Nursing professional Accreditation deadline will put the huge investment on the University at risk.

Prince Oyelade said  that the Seyi Makinde administration has already spent over 3billion naira on the acquisition of equipment for the Programme take-off.

According to the Commissioner, the Council also approved the payment of the counterpart funding for the construction, renovation and equipping of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Oyo Annex.

The Council observed that since about 70 per cent of patients accessing services at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, are from Oyo and its environs, the government is ready to pay its own 50 per cent counterpart funding, amounting to ₦6,744,379,570.28 (Six billion, seven hundred and forty-four million, three hundred and seventy-nine thousand, five hundred and seventy naira, twenty-eight kobo), while Oyo East LGA will pay the other half of a similar amount.

The total sum is ₦13,488,759,140.56 (Thirteen billion, four hundred and eighty-eight million, seven hundred and fifty-nine thousand, one hundred and forty naira, fifty-six kobo).

The Council praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s consistent exemplary performance and his efforts towards the development of the state, notwithstanding the short period left until May next year.

The Council singled him out for his strategic cooperation with the 33 local government councils in the state.

LEAGUE OF VETERAN JOURNALISTS CLEARS AIR ON A PURPORTED LECTURE

The attention of the *League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State,* has been drawn to a Lecture slated  for  Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Millenium Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The Lecture is purportedly being organized by a phantom organization, Veteran Journalists' Association of Nigeria. 

We felt obliged to put it into the public domain the fact that there is only one body of Veteran Journalists in Oyo State. It was established in 1988 and goes by the name, *League of Veteran Journalists*. 

Among eminent journalists that are Members of this body are Aremo (Veteran) Olusegun Osoba, Vet. Felix A.  Adenaike, Vet. Bamiji Ojo, Vet. Layi Agbaje, Vet. Tunde Akingbade, Vet. Agboola Sanni, Vet. Kola Animasaun, Vet. Jare Ajayi, Vet. Bose Oyewole, Vet. Oladele Idris, Vet. Biodun Oduwole, Vet. Lanre Ogundipe, Vet. Shade Haastrup, Vet. Bolaji Kareem – to mention just a few. 

This press release is necessary to prevent members of the public from being hoodwinked by elements who are purely on a self-serving mission. We feel obliged to let members of the public know this so as to stop an attempt to drag the noble profession of Journalism into the mud. 

*The League of Veteran Journalists* which  was established in 1988 as stated earlier consists of Journalists and Media Practitioners who have put in not less than 25 years into the service.

The objectives of League of Veteran Journalists include:

- Enhancement of Journalism by, among others, upholding and protecting Press Freedom.

- Ensuring that the Codes of Ethics of the professsion are complied with at all times.

- Encouraging public awareness through discourses, analysis and reviews, and 

- Promoting and protecting the interests and welfares of members.

NBTE ACCREDITATION TEAM VISITS OYSCOHEST FOR RESOURCE VERIFICATION, ACCREDITATION OF 10 PROGRAMMES

 

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Accreditation Team has visited the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, for a resource verification exercise for five new programmes and reaccreditation of five existing programmes.

The new programmes are:

ND Medical Laboratory Technology; ND Paramedics Technology;

ND Community Health Technology; ND Dental Surgery Technology; and ND Medical Store Management.

The exercise, which took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, was aimed at assessing the College’s compliance with established national standards for technical and professional education.

The assessment covered the College’s academic programmes, staffing, teaching and learning resources, infrastructural facilities, administrative processes and overall capacity to deliver quality training in the health science and technology sector.

Speaking on the exercise, the Provost of the College, Pharm. Oluyemisi Oyewo, commended the NBTE for its continued support for the 93-year-old institution, noting that the College had continued to make deliberate efforts to sustain academic excellence and uphold the standards required for effective professional training.

She also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, for its support and commitment to the development of the College.

Oyewo reiterated the institution’s determination to strengthen its academic standards, improve its teaching and learning environment, and ensure that its programmes remain responsive to the evolving needs of the health sector.

At the end of the exercise, the NBTE Director of Nursing and Health Science Programmes Department and Team Lead, Pharm. Ibrahim Salihu commended the College for sustaining its longstanding legacy through the provision of teaching resources and infrastructural facilities to support effective teaching and learning.

He also lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his support for the College’s management and efforts towards running the institution.

The visit underscored OYSCOHEST’s commitment to continuous quality assurance, institutional development and the delivery of competent, knowledgeable and professionally equipped health personnel for Oyo State, Nigeria and the global community.

The College management reaffirmed its readiness to consider and address observations and recommendations arising from the exercise, as applicable, in furtherance of its commitment to maintaining national standards and improving the quality of health science and technology education.

The outcome of the exercise is expected to contribute to the College’s ongoing efforts to expand its academic offerings, strengthen its training capacity and provide students with a better learning experience.

Adron Homes Chairman, MD, Royal Fathers Inaugurate New AHPORA Executives

The Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, the Managing Director, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, and prominent royal fathers have inaugurated newly elected executives of the Adron Homes and Property Owners and Residents Association (AHPORA), with a charge to promote unity, transparency and peaceful coexistence across the estates.

The inauguration, held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Treasure Park and Gardens Estate, attracted traditional rulers, security officials, community leaders, journalists and residents.

Speaking at the event, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, urged the newly inaugurated executives and residents to embrace collective responsibility and work closely with estate management to address community concerns, protect property owners' interests and sustain a peaceful residential environment.

He emphasised the importance of accountability and effective communication, noting that cooperation between residents and management was essential to building organised and sustainable communities.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of Adron Homes and Properties, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, described the challenges encountered by the company as part of the process of growth, stressing that Adron Homes remained committed to its vision despite the difficulties. “If you are running a firm, an entity, a course, and there is no crisis or challenges, not to talk of management, then you are not growing,” she said, describing the company as an unstoppable movement committed to excellence.

Ajobo called on homeowners, property investors and residents to unite under AHPORA to promote the development of their estates. She also commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking and the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, for their leadership and contributions to the company's vision of providing accessible housing and developing sustainable communities.

As part of the exercise, new executives were inaugurated for the Uptown and Downtown zones of Treasure Park and Gardens Phase 2 Extension.

In the Uptown Zone, Mrs Augustina Chuks emerged as chairman, while Mrs Ogunba-Ojo Hutawa Aderonke was inaugurated as Secretary-General. Hon. Mrs Wale Fayemi and Mr Lateef Eniola were listed as members, with their daughter and wife representing them, respectively.

For the Downtown Zone, Alhaji Akeem Segun Koletowo was inaugurated as chairman, while Mr Alex O. Ohanwadi emerged as Secretary-General.

Koletowo pledged to prioritise transparency, accountability and teamwork, assuring residents that their interests would be considered in decisions affecting the estate. He also said the association would promote accountability in its administration.

Similarly, Mrs Augustina Chuks identified peace, unity, teamwork and transparency as key priorities for her administration. She commended Adron Homes for providing a platform for engagement between residents and management, promising to work towards improving security and residents' welfare.

The event was attended by the Second-in-Command of the Shagamu Area Command, CSP Mohammed Abubakar; Baale Ologbun, Odunayo Olayinka Kayode; Yeye Asoju Oba Simawa, Modupe Alao; Iyalode Simawa, Abiodun Abimbola Abidemi; and Asoju Oba Simawa, Babatunde Alao.

Other guests included Iyaloja Simawa, Adekoya Bolanle Ejimo; Babaloja Likosi, Kehinde Segun Gbenga; former Golf and Estate chairman, Mr Sanmi Fakiyesi; and Pastor Rasheed Oloyode, a resident of Treasure Park and Gardens Phase 1.

AHPORA is expected to represent residents' interests, improve estate maintenance, promote environmental sustainability and strengthen communication between property owners and estate management.

The inauguration underscores the importance of community participation and accountable leadership in developing secure, peaceful and sustainable residential estates.

Oyo Head of Service Advocates Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment for Economic Growth

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni has recommended strategic investments in the digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation as pathways to economic growth.

She made this known while presenting her report from the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, during the interactive meeting of the Head of Service with the Accounting Officers in the Civil/Public Service, held at the Local Government Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She described the digital economy as a major driver of productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, noting that, technological advancement is reshaping industries and creating new business models worldwide. It also highlighted Nigeria's growing digital ecosystem, including the expansion of internet access, social media usage, financial technology, stressing the need for stronger infrastructure, digital literacy and wider access to technology.

The Head of Service identified inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, skills mismatch, limited industrialization and weak institutional capacity as major obstacles to maximising the benefits of the digital economy.

She recommended regular reviews of educational curricula to incorporate digital skills, vocational training and entrepreneurship development, alongside partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector to equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to labour market demands.

 Dr. Fasina recommended establishing technology hubs and innovation centres, introducing vocational programmes in emerging technologies, integrating digital learning into the education system and expanding skills acquisition, reskilling and upskilling initiatives.

She said the study investigated how rising inflation had eroded workers' purchasing power, making it increasingly difficult for low-income earners to meet up with the essential expenses, including food, transportation, housing and other household needs.

Dr. Fasina research recommended that the Oyo State Government approve a living wage above the N70,000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government, saying that, the state subsequently approved N80,000 as its minimum wage, an outcome highlighted in Dr. Fasina's  study's recommendations 

She then expressed appreciation to God and Governor Seyi Makinde for her nomination to attend the executive course, hinting that, the knowledge and recommendations from the course provided valuable insights into digital transformation, workforce development and economic policies that could support sustainable growth and improve the welfare of workers in Oyo State.

The Accounting Officers commended the Head of Service for her professional and administrative expertise, expressing their appreciation for the wealth of knowledge and experience she acquired at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, which they said would greatly benefit the Oyo State Civil/Public Service.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

October 19, 2026.

We Will Continue to Digitalise, Transform Civil Service for Global Competitiveness - Oyo SSG

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, has disclosed that the present administration would continue to digitally transform the State’s Civil Service to enhance efficiency and enable it to compete favourably with its counterparts across the world.

Professor Babatunde stated this during an interactive meeting between the Head of Service and Accounting Officers in the Oyo State Civil/Public Service, held at the Local Government Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Secretary to the State Government described the civil service as the engine room of government, particularly in policy formulation and implementation, noting that, government rely heavily on civil servants to develop practical policies that address the needs and aspirations of the people.

He pointed out that civil servants play a critical role in providing professional advice and ideas that can be translated into policies and programmes for the benefit of the masses.

“When civil servants give you an idea, be rest assured that it is implementable for the masses.” 

Professor Babatunde urged the Accounting Officers to continue supporting the present administration beyond 2027 to ensure continuity in governance and the implementation of its development roadmap for Oyo State.

He commended the Accounting Officers for their cooperation and collaboration with the Head of Service and Governor Seyi Makinde, hinting that, their contributions were essential to the progress and development of the state.

He enjoined the Accounting Officers to sustain their commitment to effective service delivery and work collectively towards achieving the administration's objectives.

Speaking at the event, the gubernatorial candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, said he would introduce innovative, initiatives that would empower Civil/Public Servants across the state to compete with their counterparts globally.

Adekanmbi explained further that his policy proposals would focus on critical sectors, including Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Security, Infrastructure and Youth Empowerment.

He stressed the importance of competence, capacity and loyalty to the development of Oyo State, adding that, these values would guide his approach to governance and public service administration.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

October 19, 2026.

APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRIST ACC REMEMBERS LATE ACC LEADERS ,CONFERS POST HUMUS AWARDS ON THEM AS ACC HOLDS 2026 ACC DAY AND MUSICAL JAMBOREE ANNIVERSARY.

The ACC Ojo Shaola Cathedral Gbelekale Aremo   Area Ibadan was a beehive of activities on Sunday , October 18,2026 as Church members from several branches gathered in the auditorium of the Church to celebrate their past Church leaders . 

The occasion was colourful and interesting as the National Choir  of the Church led by Reverend Dr . Olusunmbo Sangogade lifted the spirit of God with melodious spiritual music . 

 

Post humous Awards were presented on nine late  Ex. Leaders  and one living female legend  who had significantly contributed to the survival of Apostolic Church of Christ ACC and the promotion of the Gospel . 

The Awarded Past Leaders are LateApostle Dr J. M Ojo Shaola, Late ApostlleAmos Bolaji Omo Jesu, Late Apostle S. A Adeyeye, Late Apostle Ola Amusan, Late Apostle S. O Afolabi and , Late Reverend DK Adewale. 

Others honoured with Awards are Late Reverend Samuel Akinwande, Late Apostle Kehinde Omololu Sangogade, Late Apostle Dr. JoshuaTaiwo Sangogade and Apostle Mother Hannah Durowara. 

Delivering an emotion ladden and spiritually captivating sermon at the epoch making programme , the incumbent President of Apostolic Church of Christ A CC , Apostle Theophilus Lasisi admonished the congregation to do their best in serving God while alive adding that whatever we do , we are writing stories for others to tell after passing away to great beyond . 

The ACC President said the ACC Past Leader had relentlessly worked for God until death and bequeath an enduring spiritual legacy deserving recognition and commendation by the Living ACC leaders . 

Apostle Theophilus Lasisi commended the ACC Supreme Council members for conceptualising the programme and applauded the National Choir Leader Reverend Dr Olusunmbo Sangogade for playing an invaluable and significant role in ensuring the celebration of the past Leaders . 

The ACC President admonished the ACC members to serve God deligently, obey Him and uphold His Commandment in whatever they do . 

In his remarks , the National Choir Director who doubles as ACC Treasurer  Reverend Dr. Olusunmbo Sangogade expressed his delight the programme was organized to celebrate the past ACC Leaders and one living female Legends who did a lot for the Church . 

He applauded the Current  ACC Leaders for deeming it fit to recognise and celebrate the past Leaders  describing the ACC President Apostle Theophilus Lasisi as a man of purpose who is being led by the Spirit of God . 

Also Speaking, Reverend Oludare Owolabi , an Accord Senatorial Candidate for Oyo South in the January 16,2027 used the occasion to canvass for the support of ACC members  in ensuring that he becomes the elected Senator promising that he would not let the people of Oyo South.

In his speech , Pastor Itunu Ojo , the  Church Founder's son commended the ACC Supreme Council for keeping the flag of the Church flying.

He thanked the ACC President Apostle Theophilus Lasisi for sustaining the Legacy of ACC thanking the Church members for their loyalty and commitment .

ACC was founded in 1955 by Apostle J. M. Ojo Shaola, the Church has branches all over Nigeria and abroad .