World Food Day: Oyo Govt Rewards Outstanding Farmers, Urges Residents to Embrace Backyard Farming

The Oyo State Government has marked the 2026 World Food Day by celebrating farmers and agricultural organisations contributing to food production across the state. 

The celebration featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to outstanding farmers.

Speaking at the grand finale held on Friday, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye,

called on residents to turn available spaces around their homes into productive backyard farms.

He also  urged residents to cultivate vegetables and other food crops in available spaces around their homes.

He noted that backyard farming could reduce household food expenses, improve nutrition and strengthen food security across the state.

Olaleye commended farmers and other agricultural stakeholders for their contributions to food production and economic development. 

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and called for sustained collective action to improve agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food availability.

The commissioner explained that recognising outstanding farmers and agricultural organisations demonstrated the government's commitment to promoting excellence in agriculture. 

He added that the awards would encourage more people, particularly youths, to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The Oyo State chapter of the Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) received the Best Women Farmers Group Award, while the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) was honoured as the Outstanding Food Security Champion.

Mr Israel Oyeyemi received the Best Youth Agricultural Innovator Award, while Elder Omidokun Oyekunle was recognised as the Best Livestock Farmer of the Year. 

Other farmers and agricultural organisations also received awards.

The programme concluded with an exhibition of agricultural produce by farmers from across the state.

Gbagi Shops: Oyo Govt Distances Self from Traders’ Deal, Moves to Resolve Dispute

 

The Oyo State Government has clarified that the financial arrangement for the construction of replacement shops at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, was strictly between the affected traders and the developer, Hamex Investment Limited.

The government stressed that neither the state government nor the Office of the Executive Governor collected money from the traders for the construction of the shops.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, made the clarification on Thursday following a media report alleging that traders had paid ₦2 million each for shops that remained incomplete, creating the impression that the government was involved in the financial transaction.

Professor Adelabu explained that the Ministry intervened in the matter after the affected traders approached it to report disagreements with the developer over construction costs and delays in completing the shops.

 He stated that the Ministry had responded by bringing both parties together to facilitate dialogue and find an amicable resolution to the dispute, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and business-friendly environment in Oyo State.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olajide Okesade, at a meeting held in his office, said discussions established that the financial arrangement for the construction of the shops was entered into directly between the affected traders and Hamex Investment Limited.

He explained that the Ministry was not involved in negotiating the payments or collecting money from the traders, adding that, based on the information presented at the meeting, the arrangement was founded on a verbal agreement rather than a formally executed written contract available to the Ministry.

He stressed that the dispute should not be portrayed as though the Oyo State Government or the Executive Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, had collected money from the traders for the construction of the shops or reneged on any financial commitment to them.

According to him, the Ministry intervened following complaints from the affected traders, and its role has been to facilitate dialogue and work towards an amicable resolution between the parties.

While acknowledging the traders’ concerns over delays in completing the shops and the difficulties of conducting business without adequate trading spaces, Professor Adelabu stressed the need for constructive engagement rather than actions that could further complicate efforts to resolve the dispute.

In their contributions, the traders  raised concerns about changes in the amounts initially discussed for the shops, citing figures of ₦1.6 million, ₦1.95 million and ₦2 million per shop. 

They appealed to the developer to honour the agreed terms and expedite construction to enable them to resume business in suitable trading spaces.

In his response, the developer and facility manager, Alhaji Abdulwahab Abdulhammed of Hamex Investment Limited, attributed the delays to irregular payments by some traders, rising building-material costs and the difficult terrain of the construction site, which he said had increased the quantity of materials required.

 He explained that the shops were designed to be constructed collectively and that delays in payments had affected the pace of work.

In his remarks,the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, urged all parties to act in good faith, fulfil their respective responsibilities and work towards a peaceful resolution in the interest of the affected traders and the business community.

Following deliberations, the Commissioner directed the developer to resume and intensify construction work on the outstanding shops with effect from Friday, October 16, 2026, adding that Traders who are yet to fulfil their agreed payment obligations were advised to make the necessary payments on or before Friday, October 23, 2026, to facilitate the speedy completion of the project.

The developer was also directed to submit a formal letter to the Ministry upon completion of the shops before proceeding with the handover of the keys to the appropriate parties. 

He  further advised that any disagreement over proposed increases in construction costs should first be resolved amicably between the traders and the developer. Where the parties are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, they are to return to the Ministry for further reconciliation.

Professor Adelabu urged the public and media organisations to exercise care in reporting the matter by distinguishing between the financial dealings of private parties and the Ministry's intervention to address their disagreement.

 He emphasised that the existence of a dispute between traders and a developer should not, without supporting evidence, be presented as proof that the State Government collected the money in question or abandoned a contractual obligation.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to promoting trade, protecting legitimate commercial interests and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive across Oyo State.

 He assured the affected traders that the Ministry would continue to facilitate dialogue within its mandate and encourage all parties to honour their respective commitments towards the timely completion of the shops.

Oyo State clarifies NEC attendance claims, affirms no gap in representation

The claim by Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi that Oyo State has been absent from National Economic Council (NEC) meetings is based on assumptions rather than facts and knowledge. It ignores the documented procedures that govern state representation at the NEC. Oyo State has never been unrepresented, and any suggestion to the contrary is incorrect.

Governor Seyi Makinde has already explained that he formally notified the Vice President, who chairs the NEC, that the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, would henceforth represent the state at Council meetings. This arrangement ensures continuity, compliance, and full participation. NEC guidelines explicitly allow states to be represented by either the Governor or the Deputy Governor, and many states routinely adopt this practice. Chief Sanusi’s assertion that Oyo State has been missing from NEC deliberations simply because the Governor did not personally attend every meeting is therefore baseless.

The benefits of Oyo State’s participation in NEC go far beyond physical attendance at meetings. NEC provides a strategic platform for intergovernmental engagement, policy coordination, access to federal development initiatives, and the identification of opportunities for investment and development financing. Its deliberations cover critical areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, digital enterprise, food security, and climate resilience.

For a state such as Oyo, these engagements are essential for advancing its development priorities, strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners, and positioning the state to benefit from relevant national programmes. The effectiveness of participation should therefore be assessed not merely by the physical presence of the Governor at meetings, but by the quality of representation, the issues advanced, the opportunities identified, and the tangible benefits secured for the state.

Since 2025, the Deputy Governor has consistently attended NEC meetings, contributed to deliberations, and safeguarded Oyo State’s interests. In addition, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning participates as part of the statutory technical support to the state. This combination of political and technical representation guarantees that Oyo State’s voice is heard and its submissions are backed by the required expertise. Any claim to the contrary disregards the structure and purpose of the NEC.

It is evident that Chief Sanusi either does not fully understand NEC operational procedures or has chosen to ignore established practice. For clarity, NEC meetings may be attended by either the Governor or the Deputy Governor, and the effectiveness of a state’s participation is determined by the quality of its representation, not by who occupies the seat.

Judging Oyo State’s participation solely by whether the Governor personally attends NEC meetings is misleading. Such a narrow view overlooks established practice, the technical processes that underpin NEC engagements, and the tangible benefits Oyo State continues to secure through its active involvement. The state has not missed any opportunity, forfeited any benefit, or been sidelined in any way.

It is also important to place Chief Sanusi’s comments in proper context. Although a businessman, he has recently taken overt political positions, including openly supporting a candidate. His remarks are therefore not altruistic and cannot be separated from his political leanings. While citizens are free to express opinions, those opinions must be grounded in facts, especially when they concern matters of governance. Criticism that ignores institutional procedures and verifiable records does not enlighten the public; it misleads them.

Oyo State’s interests must take precedence over political point scoring. The relevant questions are straightforward: Is the state represented? Are its interests being advanced? What benefits accrue to its people? On all counts, Oyo State has fulfilled its obligations and secured its entitlements. Attempts to distort this reality for political effect do a disservice to the public and undermine informed discourse.

Oyo State’s record at the National Economic Council speaks for itself: present, active, and consistently advancing the interests of its people. No amount of political spin or misinformed commentary can erase that reality. The Makinde administration will not allow narratives built on conjecture to overshadow verifiable facts or undermine the work being done on behalf of the state. Oyo State has been fully represented, its voice has been heard, and its interests have been protected at every NEC meeting. That is the truth, and it stands firm regardless of who chooses to ignore it.

PUBLIC SERVICE WEEK: Oyo Head of Service Urges Public Servants to Embrace Innovation, Inclusion for Better Service Delivery

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni has urged public servants across the state to embrace innovation, inclusiveness, participation and effective service delivery as strategies for transforming public institutions.

She stated this at the 2026 Public Service Week Syndicate Lecture, with the Theme: “Transforming Public Institutions: Advocacy, Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” held simultaneously at the Local Government Staff Training Hall, Local Government House, Western Hall and House of Chiefs, House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She pointed out that the need for public servants to embrace positive change, demonstrate professionalism and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties is important in achieving excellence.

The number one Civil Servant enjoined  Accounting Officers, Directors, Heads of Departments and Agencies, other public servants to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, adaptability and innovation in the performance of their official responsibilities.

Dr. Fasina opined that the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde is passionate about equal opportunities and respect for individual contributions, irrespective of gender, age, disability, background or cadre.

The Head of Service urged public servants to translate the lessons learnt from the syndcate lectures into practical actions capable of strengthening public institutions and improving service delivery across the state.

She called on Civil/Public Servants across the state to remain committed to the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde for a more efficient, accountable and development-oriented public service.

Dr. Fasina urged Public Servants to sustained commitment to innovation, participation and inclusion which according to her would build public institutions that inspire citizens confidence and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Oyo State.

The Head of Service commended the committee responsible for organising the lecture, noting that, the syndicate lectures provided an opportunity for public servants to deepen their understanding of reforms and practical approaches required to strengthen public institutions.

In his lecture titled: "Everyday Excellence in Public Service; Professionalism, Integrity and Responsible Work Practice" , the guest lecturer and former Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Governor's Office, Dr. Adekunle Oyedele admonished Civil/ Public Servants to embrace professionalism, Integrity and Efficiency in the discharge of duties in their various Ministries Departments and Agencies.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG//HOS 

October 14, 2026

Oyo PHC Board Flags Off Free Eye Screening, Distributes Glasses to Civil Servants

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has flagged off a two-day free eye screening and reading glasses distribution exercise for civil servants within the State Secretariat and other eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, described the exercise as a significant intervention aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving vision, and enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He explained that the outreach was designed to improve access to essential eye care services, particularly for individuals experiencing presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly at close range.

The initiative is being implemented by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme.

Awoleye emphasised the importance of regular eye screening, particularly among adults aged 40 and above. 

He noted that good vision is essential for productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being.

He stated that the initiative would provide eligible beneficiaries with free eye screening and reading glasses, where clinically appropriate, to address the challenges associated with presbyopia and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

The Chairman commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government, led by the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to expand access to essential healthcare services across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Mustapha Festus, who highlighted the importance of integrating preventive health interventions into routine healthcare delivery.

He noted that visual difficulties could affect productivity, independence and daily activities. He therefore encouraged eligible civil servants and other beneficiaries to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that partnerships between government institutions and development partners remain crucial to improving health outcomes.

The representative of CHAI, Dr. Adebayo Durojaye, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding access to eye care services, particularly for adults with limited access to routine screening and corrective eyewear. He explained that interventions of this nature help identify common vision problems and facilitate timely access to appropriate care.

The State Eye Health Programme Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunlade, explained that the exercise was designed to provide free presbyopia screening and distribute reading glasses to eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above. She encouraged civil servants within the state secretariat and other qualified participants to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their eye health.

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that gradually reduces the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It can cause blurred near vision and difficulty reading, writing and performing other close-up tasks, making early identification and appropriate correction important.

Through the two-day outreach, eligible beneficiaries will receive eye screening and free reading glasses where clinically appropriate. Individuals identified with other eye conditions requiring further attention may be referred to qualified eye care professionals for additional assessment and treatment.

The initiative is expected to increase awareness of eye health, encourage routine screening and reduce barriers to accessing basic vision care, particularly among adults whose professional and personal responsibilities depend on clear near vision.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board appreciates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration in delivering this important intervention.

The Board reiterates its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to quality, equitable and people-centred healthcare across Oyo State.

Public Service Week: Oyo Govt. Kicks Off Indoor Games to Foster Team Spirit Among Civil Servants

 

The Oyo State Government has commenced indoor Games  for Civil/ Public Servants as part of activities marking the 2026 Public Service Week, with a charge on workers across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to demonstrate team spirit, sportsmanship and healthy competition.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital. Dr. Aremu urged Civil/Public Servants to support their respective MDAs and participate actively in the competition, which features nominated representatives from various government establishments.

He explained that the indoor games comprise chess, Scrabble, draughts, Ayo Olopon, Ludo and table tennis, hinting that, the game is designed to promote unity, encourage teamwork,enhance participant's cognitive abilities as well as hand - brain coordination

Dr. Aremu pointed out that the games would help develop strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and calculative skills among workers, which, according to him, would improve their capacity to discharge their official responsibilities effectively.

The Committee Chairman noted further that the competition would foster healthy rivalry among the MDA’s and stimulate productivity by encouraging participants to think quickly, remain focused, and embrace their responsibilities with renewed commitment.

He urged participants to uphold fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition, adding that the objective of the game  is not merely to win but also to strengthen the bond among workers in the state public service.

Dr. Aremu enjoined participants to remain calm and conduct themselves fairly, hinting that overall winners from the game would receive certificates of award and other benefits during the grand finale of the 2026 Public Service Week.

Dr. Aremu commended the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and the State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni for providing Civil/Public Servants with a level playing field to showcase their God-given talents in different sporting activities.

He maintained that the initiative would further strengthen relationships among workers, promote physical and mental alertness, and contribute to improved service delivery across the state's public service.

Dr. Aremu said the grand finale, which will feature the Productivity Day Award ceremony, would be communicated to the various MDA's in due course.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

October 12, 2016.

Oyo Govt Strengthens Stakeholder Collaboration to Boost Non-Oil Export

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the State’s non-oil export sector through improved coordination among government institutions, exporters, regulatory agencies and private-sector stakeholders.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, stated this on Wednesday while addressing the State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP) meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Prof. Adelabu emphasised that the State’s export growth required deliberate policies, reliable data, access to finance, business formalisation, skills development, trade facilitation and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. He also highlighted the relevance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that its continental market framework presents opportunities for Oyo State producers, processors, MSMEs and exporters to access markets across Africa, provided they improve value addition, product quality, standards and export readiness.

The Commissioner appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his support for initiatives aimed at promoting investment, trade, industrial development and economic diversification in the State.

 He said the State Government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for businesses provide an important foundation for expanding production and positioning Oyo-based businesses for wider markets.

He called for stronger coordination among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, stressing that the objective of the SCEP should go beyond discussions to producing practical recommendations capable of increasing the participation of Oyo-based businesses in the non-oil export sector.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, stressed the importance of proper planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in achieving the State’s export objectives. 

He also highlighted the importance of agricultural quarantine, sanitary and phytosanitary compliance and certification in facilitating the export of agricultural products, particularly commodities such as cocoa, cashew and other regulated agricultural produce. Such requirements help ensure that products meet the standards of destination markets and reduce the risk of rejection at international points of entry.

In her goodwill message, the representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Oyo State Coordinating Office, Mrs. Adetola Tayo, commended the Ministry and stakeholders for their commitment to developing the non-oil export sector. She disclosed that Nigeria’s formally recorded non-oil export earnings reached US$6.1 billion in 2025, representing an 11.5 per cent increase over the 2024 figure. She highlighted NEPC initiatives covering export certification, cluster development, export mentorship, capacity building, youth and women participation, value-chain development and international trade fairs.

The meeting also considered the proposed State Exporters Engagement Meeting, presented by the State SABER Project spokesperson, Mr. Giwa Saheed. The proposed engagement is expected to provide a dedicated platform for government and exporters to identify practical challenges affecting businesses, improve access to information and regulatory support, and develop coordinated solutions to issues relating to standards, certification, logistics, market access, finance and export procedures.

The proposed engagement would complement the SCEP by providing a more direct channel for exporters to communicate their operational challenges to relevant institutions while enabling government and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions that can strengthen Oyo State’s export ecosystem.

Other stakeholders who contributed to the deliberations included representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Tree Crops Development Unit (TCDU), Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), National Council for Islamic Credit and Savings Scheme (NACICASS), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among other stakeholders.

The representatives shared perspectives on standards, certification, border procedures, agricultural production, logistics, regulatory compliance, financing, market access and other factors affecting export development, with a collective emphasis on stronger collaboration and practical measures to increase Oyo State’s contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.