NEC Inspection: Oyo Adopts Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development — SSG

The Oyo State Government has adopted a holistic approach to development, integrating projects across key sectors to achieve sustainable growth. 

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Prof. Musibau Babatunde, stated this during a courtesy visit by the National Economic Council (NEC) inspection team to his office at the Secretariat, Ibadan, following the team’s assessment of selected projects across the state.

Prof. Babatunde said the approach was guided by the state’s 2023–2027 sustainable development roadmap. He noted that education and healthcare programmes were being implemented as interconnected sectors to ensure comprehensive development.

The SSG also highlighted the importance of strategic road projects, including the Iwo Road Interchange. He said improved road networks linking the rail and dry ports would ease movement, support businesses and prevent future congestion.

On agriculture, Prof. Babatunde said Oyo was repositioning the sector as a business through tractorisation, farm inputs and support for livestock and fish farmers. He described the state as a major food basket of the South-West, supplying agricultural produce to several states.

He added that the government was strengthening institutions, security and rural infrastructure to sustain development. According to him, the strategy is to identify challenges, create opportunities around them and ensure continuity in the state’s development efforts.

Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Ojo, said the NEC assessment provided an opportunity for the state to showcase projects that are directly aligned with its development priorities. He noted that the projects were selected to deliver tangible benefits to residents and contribute to the state’s broader development objectives.

Barr. Ojo added that the state would continue to strengthen its planning and budgeting processes to ensure that government resources are directed towards projects with lasting impact. 

He appreciated the NEC team for the assessment, describing it as valuable to the state’s efforts to promote accountability, effective planning and sustainable development.

Also Speaking, the NEC Team Leader, Assistant Chief Planning Officer, NEC Secretariat, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abuja, Mr Olayiwola Yusuf commended the Oyo State Government for the progress recorded on the projects inspected, describing the state’s efforts as commendable.

He expressed optimism that the projects would be sustained and continue to deliver the desired benefits to the people of Oyo State.

The NEC team inspected several projects across the state, including the Ijaye Asphalt Plant, Fashola Farm Estate, Ibadan Airport ,Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited in Iseyin, Ibadan 12-Megawatt Independent Power Project Secretariat, Olunloyo Park, Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Akuro Primary Health Care Centre, Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Iseyin Campus and the 76.6-kilometre Iseyin-Ogbomoso Road, Psaltry Foods, Eleyele Waterfront among others.

The inspection team was accompanied by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Planning, Alhaji Ghafar Bello; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Economic Planning, Hon. Kolawole Akanmu; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Julius Ayanleke; Principal Planning Officer NEC, Mr Ibrahim Husseini,  Senior Planning Officer NEC, Mrs Alozie Victory Onyekachi, as well as other government officials.

Oyo SSG, Civil Service Senior Staff Club Back Bimbo Adekanmbi’s 2027 Governorship Bid

 

The Oyo State Civil Service Senior Staff Club has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of the All People’s Movement (APM) candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The club made this known on Saturday during a get-together programme tagged “Heart to Heart Conversation” with the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and the APM governorship candidate at the Ayodele Adigun Club Pavilion, Total Garden, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, Professor Babatunde said the gathering was aimed at providing an avenue to identify areas of concern, share ideas, ask questions, express opinions and discuss ways of building a stronger, more efficient and people-centred Civil Service.

He said the achievements recorded by the present administration in the State led by Governor Seyi Makinde had created a solid foundation for continuity, noting that, such achievements would pave the way for the emergence of Adekanmbi in the 2027 governorship election.

The Secretary to the State Government said welfare initiatives of the present administration, including up-to-date promotion exercises for civil and public servants, regular payment of salaries and pensions, provision of car and housing loans, payment of 13th-month salary, as well as payment of gratuities to retirees is a welcome development.

Professor Babatunde described the club as an intellectual social hub where civil servants gather after their daily official duties to relax, interact and brainstorm on issues of importance to the service and society.

In his remarks,  the (APM) Governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi appreciated members of the club for the warm reception accorded him, urging them to support his governorship ambition in the 2027 general elections.

He assured civil servants and retirees that their welfare would receive priority attention under his administration, while soliciting their support for his bid to govern the state.

In her welcome address, the President of the Club, Mrs. Temitope Inaolaji, said the vision of the organisation was to build a modern, functional and befitting Civil Service Senior Staff Club that would serve as a centre for wellness, relaxation, networking, professional interaction and social development.

She pointed out that the club was more than a place for socialising, noting that it was committed to promoting healthy recreation, networking, family-friendly relaxation and professional relationships among members.

Inaolaji said the club was seeking partnership and strategic support to transform its facilities and activities, adding that members and the Executive Committee had already commenced projects towards achieving the club’s vision.

She added that with adequate government support, the club would be able to create an environment where civil servants could relax, connect, recharge and network after a demanding day at work.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

August 15, 2026

Oyo HOS Urges Science Laboratory Technologists to Redouble Efforts

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fashina, mni, has urged members of the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists to redouble their efforts and remain committed to serving the people of the State to the best of their abilities.

She made this known during a courtesy visit by the association held at the HOS Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Head of Service reiterated that the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde would continue to work with professional associations towards accelerating the development of the State.

She admonished members of the association to embrace continuous learning and professional development, noting that, acquiring updated knowledge and skills would enhance service delivery in their various places of work.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Association, Mrs. Olubadewo Wuraola, explained that the Association regulates the practice of Science Laboratory Technology in Nigeria and serves as the welfare arm of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology.

She appealed to the Head of Service to look into the challenges between Science Laboratory Technologists and Medical Laboratory Scientists, particularly the need for graduates of Science Laboratory Technology to be considered for employment in the State’s health sector.

Mrs Olubadewo said the association is ready to partner with the State Government to further strengthening the relationship between the association and the Oyo State Government.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

August 13, 2026.

Oyo Head Of Service Charges Civil/Public Servants on Dedication, Professionalism

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, has charged Civil/Public servants in the state to remain dedicated to their duties and uphold professionalism, due process in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Dr. Fasina gave this charge while receiving the Oyo State Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists on a courtesy visit  at the HOS Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Head of Service appreciated the association for its contributions to the development of the state and urged its members to remain committed to their responsibilities, strive for excellence and continually make themselves relevant in their respective fields.

She assured the association that the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde  would continue to prioritise workers welfare across all grade levels without discrimination.

Dr. Fasina further admonished Civil and Public servants to uphold professionalism and due process at their various duty posts, stressing that the civil service remains the engine room of government.

She said. “I urge you all to be dedicated to your various duty posts and uphold professionalism and due process in the discharge of your duties at your Ministries, Departments and Agencies, this will enable us to serve the people of Oyo State better.” 

In his remarks, the leader of the association, Pharmacist Morzooq Hammed, hinted that the association regulates the practice of Hospital Administrative Pharmacy in Oyo State and serves as the welfare arm of the Oyo State Association of Hospital Administrative Pharmacists.

Pharmacist Hammed also appealed to the Head of Service to consider the employment of more pharmacists to strengthen the State’s workforce and improve service delivery.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

13 August, 2026.

2026 Olokun Festival: New Era Foundation Calls for Public Participation

The New Era Foundation for Yoruba Festival and Culture Intervention has invited members of the public to the 2026 Olokun Festival, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at Debojo Beach, Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

President of OPC New Era, Comrade Rasak Arogundade, said this year's celebration would feature a rich programme of cultural activities, with traditional rulers, government officials and other notable personalities expected to grace the occasion.

Arogundade announced that the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, would serve as the Guest Lecturer at the festival.

He added that Oba Olayemi Luman Arowolo (Arole Oguntimileyin I), Gbadewolu of Araromi Kingdom, would be the Royal Father of the Day, while Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonala (Ilufemiloye I), Olu of Makogi Kingdom, would serve as the Royal Guest of Honour.

The Iyalode Oodua OPC New Era, Chief Mrs Olabosipo Olaseinde, is expected to serve as the Spiritual Mother of the Day.

The Royal Host of the event will be Oba Ajibola Talabi Odugbesan (Gbadegesin II), the Onidebojo of Debojo Kingdom.

Arogundade also disclosed that popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Adebisi Akande, popularly known as Taye Currency, would provide musical entertainment during the celebration.

He urged members of OPC New Era, Yoruba cultural enthusiasts and the general public to attend the festival, describing it as an important platform for celebrating and preserving Yoruba culture, traditions and heritage.

He assured intending participants that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful, orderly and enjoyable celebration.

The 2026 Olokun Festival is expected to feature cultural displays, traditional activities, music and other programmes aimed at promoting the rich heritage and values of the Yoruba people.

OYSG CONDUCTS 2026 MANDATORY CONFIRMATION EXAMINATION FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS

 

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, conducted the year 2026 mandatory confirmation examination for officers on Grade Levels 1 to 6, on Tuesday, the 11th of August, 2026. The exercise recorded the participation of over four thousand five hundred candidates across various cadres.

The examination was held simultaneously at seven zonal designated centres across the state and commenced at 9:00 am. Candidates from cadres, including Clerical Officers, Clerical Assistants, Store Attendants, and other allied positions, participated in the exercise.

All officers appointed to junior cadres are required to pass this mandatory examination within two years of their appointment to qualify for confirmation of their employment.

Addressing the candidates at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, for Ibadan Zone 1 and 2, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Hameed Alade Bello, urged the participants to remain patient while awaiting their respective batches. He assured them that the examination would be conducted for every eligible officer, and encouraged them to put in their best and pass the examination; as the examination is the window to further career development.

Results will be released and communicated to participants through their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) upon completion of the grading process.

The examination covered subjects such as Public Service Rules 1 and 2, as well as Current Affairs.

Lekan Alabi: His Footprints On Ibadan’s History Won’t Be Erased — Sir, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Aare Apesinola of Ibadanland

IBADAN — The Aare Apesinola of Ibadanland, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has described the late Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Oloye Lekan Alabi, as a towering figure whose contributions to the history, culture and traditional institution of Ibadan will remain indelible.

Emmanuelking stated this in a condolence letter to the family of the deceased, expressing profound sadness over the passing of the respected Ibadan high chief.

He said Alabi’s death was not merely the loss of a distinguished traditional title holder but the departure of a man who dedicated his life to the service of Ibadanland and the preservation of its heritage.

According to him, the late high chief distinguished himself through honour, integrity and immense intellectual capacity, while carrying out the responsibilities of his office with dignity and commitment.

He noted that Alabi earned the respect of the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, leaders and members of the public through his exemplary character and commitment to the peace, unity and progress of Ibadanland.

Emmanuelking said the late high chief’s contributions to the traditional institution and preservation of Ibadan’s history had secured him a lasting place in the story of the ancient city.

He added that generations yet unborn would remember Alabi as a worthy custodian of the customs, values and ideals that define Ibadanland.

The Aare Apesinola extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, children, grandchildren, the Alabi family, the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of Ibadanland.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.

“Your footprints on the sands of Ibadan’s history shall never be erased, and your memory will continue to inspire generations in the service of our land,” Emmanuelking said.