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.

FUNATO Expands Green Initiative As VC Leads Tree-Planting Campaign At Technology Campus

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, has reaffirmed the institution's commitment to environmental sustainability with the continuation of its Operation Plant a Tree campaign at the university's Technology (TECH) Campus in Orita Area, Okeho.

The exercise, held on Thursday, featured the planting of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) tree seedlings as part of the university's drive to promote a greener and healthier environment.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lamidi Oladejo Ojedapo, the Vice-Chancellor urged members of the university community to sustain the momentum of the initiative, which was officially launched at the institution's Main Campus on July 17 during a colourful ceremony attended by more than 500 registered participants.

Professor Babayemi highlighted the numerous environmental and socio-economic benefits of tree planting, including the creation of a healthier ecosystem, mitigation of global warming, improved air quality, preservation of valuable economic tree species, beautification of the environment, provision of shade, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

He commended the College of Engineering and Technology (COLET) and the College of Environmental Design and Geospatial Technology (CEDGET), which make up the Technology Campus, for embracing the initiative and encouraged other colleges and members of the university community to emulate their commitment by planting more trees.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, Professor Samson Olakunle Ojoawo, described the tree-planting initiative as a demonstration of the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and his management team.

He noted that introducing such an environmental programme at the early stage of the university's development reflects a strong commitment to sustainable growth. According to him, the use of modern technology, including improvised natural manure, in nurturing the trees would further enhance the institution's reputation and positively impact the surrounding community.

Also speaking, the Dean of the College of Environmental Design and Geospatial Technology, Professor Dorcas Oluwaseyi Adeoye, applauded the university management for prioritising environmental development programmes, describing tree planting as a key component of sustainable environmental management.

She appreciated the university officials and participants who supported the exercise, saying the initiative would contribute significantly to creating a more vibrant and eco-friendly campus.

Several university officials who attended the event also praised the management for institutionalising the tree-planting campaign. Among them were the Chairman of the Tree Planting Committee and Dean of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Professor Rasheed Olufemi Awodoyin, represented by the Head of the Department of Crop Science, Professor Samuel Adelani Babarinde; Dean of the College of Agricultural Development and Human Ecology, Professor Adegbenga Emmanuel Adekoya; Dean of Students' Affairs, Professor Luqman Abiodun Akinbile; Farm Manager, Dr. (Mrs.) Olomola; Head of the Department of Forestry, Professor Adeduntan; Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr. Elijah Olabode; Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Olusola Oke; and Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Dr. Raheem.

The event also attracted several academic and non-academic staff members of the university, underscoring the institution's collective commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

OYRLEA IMPOUNDS 19 COWS IN ISEYIN OVER ILLEGAL GRAZING

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, has impounded 19 cows in Iseyin Local Government Area following a petition from a farmer over repeated destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle.

Acting on the petition, OYRLEA’s enforcement team carried out an early morning anti-open grazing operation to intercept the herders and their cattle before they exited the affected farms. 

A total of 19 cows were apprehended and taken into the custody of the Authority in line with the provisions of the law. Efforts are ongoing to identify the owners for appropriate legal action.

Reaffirming the Authority’s mandate, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi, Rtd., said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to protect farmers, safeguard food production, and ensure strict compliance with the laws of Oyo State.

She warned herders to desist from grazing on farm settlements and cultivated lands, noting that violators will face the full weight of the law.

Justice Aderemi also assured residents and farmers across the state of OYRLEA’s commitment to prompt response to petitions. She urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of illegal grazing and other acts that threaten public peace and farmers’ livelihoods.

OYRLEA will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour.

 

Oyo SSG Urges Youths to Be Worthy Ambassadors, Promises Support for Digital Skills

 

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, has charged youths in the state to remain worthy ambassadors of Oyo State wherever they find themselves in the world. 

Professor Babatunde gave the charge while receiving members of the Oyo State Youth Parliament (Third Assembly) during a courtesy visit at the SSG's Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

He said the vision of the Youth Parliament aligns with that of the present administration, particularly its commitment to improving the welfare and future prospects of young people in the state.

He urged members of the parliament to conduct themselves as exemplary representatives of Oyo State across the country and beyond, noting that the future of the state depends largely on the quality and commitment of its youths.

Professor Babatunde added further that unity and togetherness remain essential in achieving the collective goal of youth development and nation-building, describing young people as the future leaders whose capacities must be deliberately strengthened.

He said the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde is empowering youths through various capacity-building programmes and digital skills initiatives.

He said, "this  government will continue to equip young people with relevant skills in emerging fields such as machine learning, blockchain analysis and other digital technologies to prepare them for future opportunities in the global economy.

The Secretary to the State Government  advised Youth Parliament to prepare a comprehensive proposal detailing its programmes, needs and areas requiring collaboration and forward it through the appropriate channels for government consideration.

He also encouraged the youth legislators to strengthen their relationship with the Oyo State House of Assembly to deepen their understanding of legislative processes and democratic governance.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, Rt.Hon. Oyekola Oluwatobi, introduced members of the newly inaugurated Third Assembly and appealed to the state government for continued support and collaboration to enable the parliament to effectively contribute to youth development and good governance in the State.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

July 21, 2026.