Monday, October 19, 2026

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 .








Sunday, October 18, 2026

Oyo Govt to Mr Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo: Lies have short legs




In recent times, Mr. Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, SAN, has turned himself into a factory of incendiary commentaries, distortions, and personal attacks against Governor Seyi Makinde and his administration all in a bid to promote his candidate. Mr. Adebayo is free to support any candidate he likes, even one who is clearly addled and patently incompetent, but he has no licence to twist facts or manufacture falsehoods to justify his political choices. 


We remind him of a simple truth: lies have short legs. They may stagger noisily for a moment, but they cannot outrun facts, nor can they withstand the reality of the administration’s visible achievements.


Mr. Adebayo has chosen to operate like a loose cannon, desperately rummaging for any scrap of dirt to diminish the achievements of the Makinde administration and demarket the Governor’s preferred gubernatorial candidate. His tantrums, theatrics, and wild allegations have reduced serious governance issues to beer parlour gossip, conduct disgraceful for someone who carries the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.


His relentless attacks and exaggerated bravado betray motivations rooted not in public interest but in inducement. The people of Oyo State can see through his charade. 


They understand the undertones of his commentaries and will not dance to his delirious tune. They remain appreciative of Governor Makinde’s work, confident in his leadership, and supportive of candidates of the Allied People’s Movement (APM).


Mr. Adebayo’s description of the Ogbere–Amuloko–Akanran–Ilaji–Ogun State border road is a masterclass in exaggeration and condescension. 


His claim that road users “have their thinking apparatuses at the soles of their feet” is reckless, insulting, and unbecoming of a senior lawyer. 


Contrary to his sensationalism, the road is part of a World Bank–supported rural access corridor governed by strict procurement rules, environmental assessments, and phased implementation schedules.


 No World Bank project can be “abandoned to spite” any individual or undermine a private business. Government prioritises roads based on public interest, economic value, and technical feasibility, not on the whims of political actors. 


Work on the corridor remains firmly within the state’s rural access and agricultural mobility plan, alongside numerous completed and ongoing projects across Oyo State.


His allegation that the Governor diverted local government funds or rendered the system “comatose” is another deliberate falsehood. Joint funding of strategic roads by the state and local governments is lawful, necessary, and often the only viable way to deliver infrastructure beyond the financial capacity of individual councils. Local governments in Oyo State continue to function, pay salaries, and execute projects.


 The administration has also conducted democratic local government elections, strengthening grassroots governance, a fact Mr. Adebayo conveniently ignores.


The administration’s approach to road works combines rehabilitation, reconstruction, and new construction based on engineering reports and budget realities. Rehabilitation is deployed where full reconstruction is not immediately necessary or cost effective. All costs follow due process, procurement laws, competitive bidding, and oversight. Claims that roads were executed without regard to cost or standards are baseless.


Mr. Adebayo’s comments on the education sector disregard measurable improvements under Governor Makinde: better WAEC performance, increased enrolment, and sustained investment in infrastructure and teacher welfare. The School Governing Board model was not discarded; it was integrated into a broader reform framework. The resignation of any individual does not imply wrongdoing. The Education Trust Fund continues to operate under due process. It is also on record that the Makinde administration has employed more teachers than any administration in the state. It is also on record that the Makinde administration resolved longstanding issues at Ladoke Akintola University that previous administrations failed to address, a fact Mr. Adebayo pretends not to know.


His description of Oyo State’s hospitals as “pigsty” is not only inaccurate but disrespectful to health workers. The administration has renovated and upgraded several facilities, improved equipment, and strengthened the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency. Allegations of pilfering or misuse of funds require evidence, not political theatre. Primary Health Care projects follow procurement laws.


On security, Mr. Adebayo deliberately ignores the significant progress made under Governor Makinde. 


The administration has strengthened Amotekun, improved logistics for federal security agencies, and repositioned the Security Trust Fund. Oyo State remains safer than many other states. 


Procurement of the surveillance aircraft followed security protocols and Executive Council approvals. Claims that advisers were “in the dark” are speculative and unserious.


His comments on the Circular Road project also misrepresent the facts. The contract was reviewed due to contractual and technical concerns. If the Ajimobi administration’s approach was effective, why was the project stalled? Government has a responsibility to renegotiate or terminate contracts that do not serve the public interest. No responsible government would indulge a concessionaire that is not delivering on agreed terms.


The suggestion that Governor Makinde “stole” ideas or “carted away” solar lights under Operation Light Up Oyo is laughable. Energy choices, solar or diesel, are based on cost, maintenance, and technical feasibility. 


The administration’s priority is public safety and mobility, and this objective has been achieved. The Lekan Salami Stadium was rehabilitated to modern standards, which is why it has hosted several international matches. 


Regulatory assessments are routine.

Governor Seyi Makinde welcomes constructive, fact based scrutiny. What he will not accept is the rewriting of history through exaggerations, vendettas, and unsubstantiated allegations. 


The people of Oyo State are discerning; they see the roads built and still being built, the schools revitalised, the hospitals upgraded, the security architecture strengthened, and the governance reforms improving daily life. In the fullness of time, tangible results, not incendiary essays or politically motivated outbursts, will speak for the administration.


Saturday, October 17, 2026

2027: Fatola Appoints Seyichicago Campaign DG for Ibadan Southwest/Northwest






The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ibadan Southwest/Northwest Federal Constituency, Hon. Samson Opeyemi Fatola, has appointed Mr Seyifunmi Odunuga popularly called " Seyichicago" as Director-General of his campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.


The appointment, dated October 17, 2026, was announced as part of efforts to strengthen the campaign's leadership structure and intensify grassroots mobilisation across the constituency.


In the appointment letter, Fatola said Odunuga's selection followed extensive consultations with PDP leaders, elders and key stakeholders within Ibadan Southwest and Northwest.


He described the appointment as recognition of Odunuga's loyalty to the party, leadership experience and commitment to grassroots development.


Fatola expressed confidence in Odunuga's ability to deploy his administrative and strategic capabilities towards achieving the campaign's objectives and securing victory in the 2027 House of Representatives election.


As Director-General, Odunuga is expected to formulate and execute strategic initiatives, coordinate campaign activities and mobilise voters across wards and communities within the constituency.


He will also oversee efforts to promote Fatola's five-pillar legislative manifesto, known as The Covenant Code, while fostering unity, discipline and collaboration among party members and supporters.


The appointment letter further stated that Odunuga would report directly to Fatola to ensure effective coordination and synchronisation of campaign operations.


The appointment coincides with the scheduled inauguration of the campaign council on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as the PDP candidate moves to consolidate his campaign structure ahead of the polls.


Fatola said he expected the new Director-General to bring his political experience to bear on the assignment and contribute to the delivery of effective representation and sustainable urban transformation for the people of Ibadan Southwest/Northwest.


He congratulated Odunuga on his appointment and urged him to embrace the responsibility as a call to service.


The campaign organisation operates under the motto, “Delivering The Covenant Code,” reflecting its stated commitment to promoting the candidate's legislative agenda and mobilising support for the 2027 election.

Friday, October 16, 2026

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 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 s...