Oyo Govt Distributes Free Braille Textbooks to Visually Impaired Pupils, Reinforces Commitment to Inclusive Education

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education with the distribution of free Braille textbooks to visually impaired pupils in special basic schools across the state, ensuring that every child, regardless of physical disability, has equal access to quality education.

The Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekambi, stated this recently during the distribution of Braille textbooks to 10 special basic schools for visually impaired pupils. The event was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Adekambi explained that the initiative began in 2022 following discussions with the Directorate of Special Needs and Inclusion on the need to make Braille learning materials readily available for visually impaired learners. 

He noted that while Braille textbooks were first distributed to secondary school students with visual impairments in 2024, the idea of producing Braille textbooks specifically for basic school pupils was conceived in 2025 and has now become a reality.

According to him, Oyo State remains the only state in Nigeria to invest in the production and free distribution of Braille textbooks for visually impaired learners, describing the initiative as a landmark achievement in the country's education sector.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, described textbooks as indispensable tools for effective teaching and learning. She stressed that visual impairment should never limit a child's ability to achieve academic excellence, noting that Braille textbooks would significantly enhance learning outcomes for the beneficiaries.

She commended Governor Seyi Makinde's administration and the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities for making the project a reality, adding that considerable resources and effort were invested in producing the books. She therefore urged the benefiting schools to make judicious use of the materials and ensure their proper preservation.

Also speaking, the Acting Director of Special Needs and Inclusion, Mr. Aderemi Suara, said that since the creation of Oyo State, no previous administration had produced Braille textbooks for visually impaired learners. He recalled that on June 27, 2024, the state government distributed Braille textbooks, teaching aids and instructional materials to secondary schools with visually impaired students, while the current exercise extends the intervention to the basic education level.

The Braille textbooks were distributed to 10 special basic schools, namely: Oyo Special Basic School, Durbar, Oyo; Omoyeni Special Basic School, Orita-Aperin, Ibadan; H.L.A Special Basic School, Agodi-Gate, Ibadan;

C.A.C. Special Basic School, Oniyanrin, Ibadan; Special Basic School, Bioku-Alaadun, Ibadan; Oyo State Special Basic School, Ogbomoso; L.A. Special Basic School, Okeho; Special Basic School, Saki; Special Basic School, Iseyin; and Special Basic School, Eruwa.

The textbooks cover key subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science and Technology, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Religious Studies, Pre-Vocational Studies, National Values, Yoruba Language, and Literature storybooks.

The event reached its climax with an impressive reading from one of the Braille literature storybooks by Miss Tobiloba Funmilayo, a Basic Five pupil of Omoyeni Special Basic School, Orita-Aperin, Ibadan, demonstrating the impact of accessible learning materials on the education of visually impaired children.

Makinde Fulfills Promise, Hands Over House Key, Wheelchair to Oluwadaisi Chesire in Moniya

I Never Thought I Would Become a Landlord, Let Alone Own a Big House Like This”, Says Recipient

There was excitement in Moniya on Monday as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, fulfilled his promise by handing over the key to a new house and a wheelchair to Mr. Babatunde Oluwadaisi Isiah Chesire, a person with disability.

The symbolic presentation was done at the new house located behind King’s College, Moniya by the Director General of Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, OYPWD, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, alongside the Executive Assistant on Disability Matters, Hon. Olufemi Timothy, who signed as witness.

Governor Makinde had in January publicly promised to provide shelter for Mr Ikudaisi Shesire after he solicited for help during the “Oyo at 50” programme for persons with disabilities at Omololu park, Airport Junction.

Oluwadaisi Chesire, who has been on a wheelchair for several years, said he was chased out of his former residence in Moniya with his wife and children.

While commending the gesture, Barr. Adekanmbi, who supported the family with cash, described the presentation as the fulfillment of a promise and the restoration of a life.

He said: “Today is not simply the presentation of a house and a wheelchair; it is the fulfilment of a promise and the proof that compassionate governance finds its highest expression in restoring dignity where life once knew limitation.

“Governor Seyi Makinde's noble gesture reminds us that the greatness of leadership is measured not by the height of its promises, but by the depth of its fulfilment. A house offers security, a wheelchair restores mobility, but together they proclaim that every life deserves hope, inclusion, and purpose.

“This enduring legacy of inclusive governance stands as a testament that in Oyo State, no citizen is invisible and no disability diminishes human worth.”

Barr. Adekanmbi however urged Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire to preserve the house as a legacy and warned against selling it. 

He added that the agency, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, would continue to support persons with disabilities in the state.

In his own brief remarks, Hon. Olufemi Timothy also described the gesture as a great opportunity and appreciated the governor for his consistent support.

“This is not the first time he has been doing this for us. Many people have benefited from this government through job opportunities, cars, lands, and empowerment”.

“The Governor has also made us relevant in his government. We are praying that he will become President of the country to further advance the benefits being enjoyed by persons with disabilities under his leadership,” he said. 

An emotional Oluwadaisi Chesire, in tears of joy, prayed for Governor Makinde, saying “I never thought I would become a landlord, let alone own a big house like this”.

Narrating his ordeal of being abandoned by his parents in Ogbomoso since childhood, Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire said Makinde remains the only Oyo governor who has shown genuine love to persons with disabilities.

OYRLEA Refutes False Claims in Agidigbo FM Broadcast, Reaffirms Due Process in Ido Cow Impoundment

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has described as false, misleading and unfounded allegations aired during a broadcast on Agidigbo FM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, alleging discrimination against Fulani herders, extortion, unlawful impoundment of livestock and abuse of power by its officers.

In a statement signed by the Chairperson of the Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), OYRLEA maintained that all its enforcement activities are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde and that due process was followed in the case referenced during the broadcast.

According to the Authority, the matter arose from an enforcement operation carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Atowoda Area of Ido Local Government Area, where 16 cows were impounded following complaints from farmers over the destruction of farmlands by herders engaged in open grazing.

OYRLEA explained that the operation was initiated after receiving several petitions from affected farmers in Ido and surrounding communities. Investigations conducted by the Authority confirmed cases of open grazing and extensive damage to crops, supported by what it described as irrefutable evidence.

The Authority noted that under Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, any person found guilty of violating the law is liable, upon conviction, to five years imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000.00(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for a first offence, while subsequent offences attract 10 years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2,000,000.00(Two Million Naira). The law also provides for adequate compensation to victims based on an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.

OYRLEA further disclosed that the legal representative of the herders opted for an out-of-court settlement. Following the assessment report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of ₦3,200,000.00(Three Million, two Hundred Thousand Naira) was paid as government fines, while ₦4,000,000 was paid as compensation to the affected farmer.

The Authority emphasized that all payments were made directly into designated government accounts by the legal representative of the herders, with official government receipts duly issued. It stressed that no officer of the Authority is authorized to receive cash payments or personal transfers under any circumstance.

While expressing concern over the broadcast, OYRLEA faulted Agidigbo FM for airing the allegations without first verifying the facts or seeking the Authority's response, describing the action as inconsistent with the ethics of responsible journalism.

"The broadcast of unverified allegations without first ascertaining the facts or seeking the Authority's response is inconsistent with the ethics of responsible journalism. Such reporting has the potential to mislead the public and undermine confidence in a government institution," the statement read.

Justice Aderemi reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to enforcing the law fairly, transparently and without fear or favour, adding that OYRLEA remains focused on promoting peace, protecting farmlands and ensuring environmental sustainability across Oyo State.

She urged members of the public to disregard the misinformation and obtain accurate information through official channels.

The Chairperson also appealed to Agidigbo FM and other media organizations to uphold the principles of fairness, balance and accuracy by seeking the Authority's position before airing reports capable of affecting public confidence and security.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, other security agencies and community stakeholders in sustaining law, order and peaceful coexistence across the state.

Olatubosun Storms Ibadan North West LG, Charges Electorate on Voter Registration.

 

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, on Wednesday stormed Ward Five of the Ibadan North West local government area of Oyo State to sensitise the electorate without a Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) to go and register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Olatubosun moved round the major community joints and opinion leaders of the ward, from Idi-Ikan junction to Apa, Oke-Seni, Olodo, Ogunpa, Ifeleye, Ajalaruru and other polling units, to sensitise all eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, which closes in four days' time. He emphasised that participation in the electoral process begins with obtaining a valid voter's card.

Olatubosun, while addressing community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, described voter registration as a civic responsibility that empowers citizens to decide the future political office holders that will bring the dividend of democracy to their doorsteps.

He used the occasion to canvass continuous support for Governor Seyi Makinde-led government in the state under the Allied People's Movement, APM. 

The commissioner was accompanied by the Hon. Fantola, the APM party chairman in the LG, and other party executives in the LG to move around the major polling units in Ibadan North West Local Government. 

He encouraged the religious leaders, market associations and youth groups to mobilise people within their community to register and ensure they are prepared to exercise their constitutional rights from December 2026, when LG elections will be held in Oyo State, and the 2027 general elections.

While responding to requests of the people, the duo of the party chairman of Ibadan North West, Hon. Fantola, and Olatubosun assured them that Governor Seyi Makinde will continue to serve them until he leaves the seat as governor of Oyo State in 2027. 

In the same vein, the commissioner for culture and tourism enjoined all members of the APM to commence door-to-door sensitisation with a view to selling the party's candidates for the forthcoming elections. 

However, the exercise demonstrated that Olatubosun and his team still enjoyed street credibility, as people came out to show their support and willingly agreed to mobilise their members to collect their permanent voters' registration cards, receiving a colourful welcome from those who attested to his street credibility and the positive impact he had made in his local government area.

Nigerian Navy Arrests Two Suspected Smugglers, Hands Over 140 Bags of Foreign Rice to Customs in Badagry

 

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has arrested two suspected smugglers and handed over 140 bags of foreign parboiled rice, along with a fibre boat used for the operation, to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as part of its sustained crackdown on smuggling and other illicit maritime activities.

The successful operation, carried out on Friday, 24 July 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the Base regarding the movement of contraband goods through the Apa axis of Badagry.

According to a statement issued by FOB Badagry, naval operatives intercepted a 40-horsepower fibre boat loaded with approximately 140 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice believed to have been illegally smuggled into the country. 

The operation also led to the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the illicit trade.

The Navy stated that the swift intervention of its patrol team prevented the illegal distribution of the smuggled rice and dealt a significant setback to smuggling syndicates operating along the Badagry waterways.

In line with the Nigerian Navy's Standard Operating Procedures and existing regulations, the two suspects, the fibre boat, and the seized consignment of rice were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A', Ikeja, for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The statement noted that the interception underscores FOB Badagry's unwavering commitment to combating economic sabotage and maintaining a strong operational presence within its Area of Operations.

The Base also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to deny criminal elements the use of Nigeria's waterways for smuggling and other illegal activities.

The Nigerian Navy assured the public that it would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting the nation's maritime domain and safeguarding Nigeria's economic interests.

Oyo Govt, NIMC Pledges Collaboration To Strengthen National Identity Enrollment

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor. Musibau  Babatunde has reaffirmed the present administration commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve citizens enrollment with the commission.

He made this known during a courtesy visit by the management staff of the commission at the SSG's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

 Professor. Babatunde appreciated the delegation for the visit and commended the Commission for its efforts towards building a credible and inclusive national identity system.

He noted that effective identity management remains vital to national planning, security and socio-economic development, stressing that the Oyo State Government is committed to initiatives that will improve access to identity enrolment f

or the  residents of the State.

The Secretary to the State Government assured the delegation of the state's readiness to collaborate with the Commission in areas of mutual interest, particularly in expanding enrolment centres to the communities and strengthening public awareness on the importance of obtaining the National Identification Number (NIN).

Professor. Babatunde added further that the state government would continue to support programmes that promote efficient service delivery through digital innovation, adding that, collaboration between the Oyo State Government and NIMC would enhance identity management enrollment and improve access to government services.

He thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them of the state's continued support, reaffirming the government's commitment to working closely with the Commission in advancing identity management and improving service delivery for the benefit of the people of Oyo State.

In his remarks, the leader of the NIMC delegation, Mr. Aniye Olufemi, said the visit was to strengthen collaboration between the National Identity Management Commission and the Oyo State Government.

He said the Commission is planning  annual National Identity Day to promote the importance of identity registration and deepen citizens' participation in the national identity programme.

Olufemi Aniye, expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with the Oyo State Government would accelerate identity enrolment and contribute to the Commission's mandate of providing every eligible Nigerian with a unique and verifiable identity.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

July 25, 2026.

We Are Proud of You, Ansar-ud-deen Islamic Group Hails Oyo SSG

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor. Musibau  Babatunde, has said the present administration would continue to support educational development in the State.

He stated this during a courtesy visit by the members of The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo Branch, held at the SSG's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor. Babatunde expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and their prayers, he commended the Society's notable contribution to educational development and youth empowerment in Nigeria through its  schools network programme.

The Secretary to the State Government emphasized the importance of education in the society, just as he appreciated  Ansar-ud-deen Islamic society for its sustained efforts in complementing  government's commitment in providing quality education for young people in the State.

He assured the delegation that government interventions targeted at schools would also be extended to Ansar-Ud-Deen schools.

He pointed out that he would engage the appropriate government officials, including the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to ensure that the Society's schools are considered in relevant educational intervention programmes.

Professor Babatunde assured the delegation that his office would always remain open to the Society and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, youth development and the overall welfare of the people of Oyo State.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Imam Mikail Adeyemo said the visit was to congratulate the Secretary to the State Government  on his appointment and seek for  government support for the society's educational development projects.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

July 24, 2016.