Muslim Community Commends Oyo SSG’s Humanitarian Efforts, Applauds His Commitment to Public Service

 

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fodhilatu Shaykh Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has commended the  Secretary to the  Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, for his contributions to public service and his support for the Muslim Ummah.

 In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, the Chief Imam appreciated the outstanding academic scholarship, public service and continued contribution to the Muslim community in the Pacesetter State.

The Grand Chief Imam described Professor Babatunde as an exemplary intellectual whose accomplishments demonstrate academic excellence, responsible public service and commitment to faith that work together for the advancement of the society

Barrister Akeugberu hinted that Professor Musibau Babatunde has established himself as a distinguished economist whose academic journey was built at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Economics. 

Barrister Akeugberu said. "Following his years of teaching, research and academic service in the Department of Economics, as well as Deputy Director of the University's Distance Learning Centre, Professor Babatunde attained the prestigious rank of Professor of Economics in 2021".

 "His research interests span Energy Economics, International Economics, Macroeconomics and Applied Econometrics, with a substantial body of scholarly work addressing important questions surrounding trade liberalisation, energy consumption and structural economic development, particularly across Sub-Saharan Africa".

He added that Professor Babatunde  expertise has also received international recognition. His professional engagements have included service at the United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning in Dakar, Senegal, where he contributed to the training and development of policy makers across Africa.

Oyo Muslim Community maintained further that Professor Babatunde's contribution extends beyond the university environment, it spread into public administration and economic policy.

It will be recalled that. Professor Musibau Babatunde public-service journey within the Oyo State Government became particularly prominent in 2019, when he joined the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde as Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, before and during this period, he played a significant technical role in the development of the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development.

The statement added, "Professor Babatunde subsequently served as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, contributing his expertise to economic planning, budgeting and policy formulation in the state" .

He continued "On 5 January 2026, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him as the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, and he was sworn into office on 12 January 2026" .

"His appointment was welcomed across different section of Oyo State, including the Muslim community, where his professional competence, intellectual depth and Islamic identity have earned considerable respect".

Beyond his academic and governmental responsibilities, Professor Babatunde continues to demonstrate an active commitment to the Muslim Ummah.

The statement reads in part. "As a practicing Muslim, he has participated in Islamic intellectual and educational programmes, including engagements with scholarly platforms such as the 'Niqoobatul Markaziyyin", where his experience in economics, public policy and governance provides an important bridge between contemporary intellectual discourse and Islamic values.

"He has also participated in grassroots Islamic programmes and Ramadan lectures, including the Omituntun Benedict Forum, where he has addressed subjects such as Qadar (Divine Destiny), encouraging moral responsibility, faith, intellectual reflection and communal harmony".

"His public engagement reflects an important message to younger Muslims, that excellence in secular education and professional life can coexist meaningfully with Islamic identity, ethical responsibility and service to humanity'.

 Akeugberu, congratulated Professor Musibau Babatunde for his remarkable achievements in scholarship, his distinguished service to Oyo State and his continued contribution to the Muslim Ummah.

Oyo born cleric, Barrister Akeugberu prays that Almighty Allah continues to preserve Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde in good health, wisdom, strength and steadfastness.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

September 10, 2026.

Oyo HOS Charges Retiring Perm Secs to Continue Contributing to State’s Development

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni has urged retiring Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service to continue contributing their wealth of experience and expertise to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

She gave this charge during the maiden edition of the Experience Sharing Forum, tagged “Courtesy Visit to the Head of Service,” organised for two retiring Accounting Officers, Mr. Olajide Okesade and Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, at the Head of Service, Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She said the forum was designed to promote knowledge transfer and strengthen institutional memory within the Oyo State Public Service, the initiative would enable serving officers, particularly younger civil servants, to benefit from the wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom accumulated by retiring senior officers during their years of service.

The Head of Service noted that the retirees’ insights on leadership, policy implementation, human resource management, institutional continuity, financial discipline and the challenges of public administration would serve as valuable lessons for the Service.

She said. “As you prepare to retire from active service, I urge you to remember that while retirement marks the end of one phase of your career, it is the beginning of another opportunity to contribute to society".

“Your experience, wisdom and networks remain valuable assets, and I am confident that you will continue to make meaningful contributions to the development of Oyo State and the nation at large.”

Dr. Fasina stated that the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde  was committed to leaving the State Public Service better than it met it.

She charged serving Permanent Secretaries to mentor younger officers, document institutional knowledge and establish systems that would promote continuity, efficiency and sustainability in the Service.

She congratulated the retiring Permanent Secretaries on the successful completion of their careers, appreciating them for their years of dedicated service to Oyo State.

“On behalf of the Government and the entire Oyo State Public Service, I congratulate you on the successful completion of your careers and sincerely thank you for your years of dedicated service to the State, I wish you good health, peace, fulfilment and continued relevance in your post-service years,” 

Responding, the retiring Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Olajide Okesade, formerly of the Ministry of Trade and Investment and Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for initiating the programme and for honouring them as they bowed out of the Civil Service of the Pacesetter State.

They described the forum as a commendable initiative that would encourage knowledge sharing and provide an avenue for retiring officers to pass valuable lessons and experiences to their successors and younger colleagues.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

September 10, 2026.

Oyo Head Of Service Charges Civil/Public Servants to Prepare for 2026 Confirmation, Promotion, Advancement (CONPROA) Examination

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, has urged Civil/Public Servants across the state to prepare adequately and cooperate with relevant stakeholders for the successful conduct of the (CONPROA)  Examination.

Dr. Fasina gave this charge during a critical stakeholders engagement and facility tour of designated examination centres across the state as part of preparations for the 2026 examination.

The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategy, Mr. Taiwo Niran Mustapha explained that the stakeholders committee was constituted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6 of the 2013 Public Service Rules, Volumes 1 and 2. 

She noted that the committee had carefully reviewed reports received from various zones and identified some grey areas requiring attention.

She said the engagement was aimed at bringing all stakeholders on the same page regarding the processes and procedures to be followed before, during and after the examination.

She said "this engagement would provide an opportunity to address identified challenges, clarify areas of uncertainty and establish a common understanding of the responsibilities of all stakeholders towards ensuring a smooth, credible and successful examination exercise".

Dr. Fasina also disclosed that participants would be introduced to a new application developed for the registration process, with a practical demonstration of its operation.

 She explained that the innovation was designed to enhance efficiency, minimise errors and promote greater accountability throughout the registration process.

She therefore urged the stakeholders to pay close attention to the practical presentations and discussions, as well as seek clarification on areas requiring further explanation.

The Head of Service warned stakeholders against examination malpractice, stressing that such acts could tarnish their image and that of the public service.

She reminded the coordinators that leadership was not merely about occupying a position, but about effectively discharging the responsibilities entrusted to them in their respective areas.

Dr. Fasina emphasised the importance of the Compulsory Papers Examination to Civil/Public Servants, noting that it forms an important part of their promotion, confirmation and career advancement.

She expressed confidence that the collective commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders would contribute to a successful and credible examination,

as part of the preparatory activities, the team inspected designated examination centres, including Queen’s School, Government College, Ibadan, and Obaseku High School, Eruwa.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

September 9, 2026.

AMOTEKUN, NDLEA Forge Alliance to End Drug Abuse in Oyo

The Oyo State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps (OYSSNA) has forged a stronger partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle drug abuse and its associated security challenges across communities in the state.

The collaboration was strengthened during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the NDLEA for Amotekun operatives, focusing on drug abuse prevention, identification of substance-related risks, healthy coping strategies, responsible conduct and community-based approaches to promoting drug-free communities.

In his welcome address, the Oyo State Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Adigun Yetunde, appreciated the NDLEA for the initiative and collaboration.

The Commandant stressed the importance of continuous training and capacity building for Amotekun personnel, particularly in areas that directly affect community safety.

He noted that a better understanding of substance abuse would enable officers to recognise emerging risks, respond appropriately and contribute more effectively to drug abuse prevention efforts within their areas of operation.

Olayanju further urged the personnel to apply the knowledge gained from the sensitisation programme in their daily duties, particularly through responsible observation, information gathering and collaboration with relevant agencies.

He said a professional and community-oriented approach would strengthen public confidence and enhance collective efforts to build safer and drug-free communities.

Also speaking, the Staff Officer, Drug Integrity Test, NDLEA Oyo State Command, Superintendent of Narcotics O. A. Achichi, thanked the management of Amotekun for supporting the programme.

Achichi emphasised that the fight against drug abuse requires a collective effort involving security agencies, families, schools, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He said Amotekun's close relationship with communities places its personnel in a strategic position to identify emerging drug-related concerns and provide relevant information to appropriate authorities.

He urged the operatives to maintain professionalism when dealing with suspected drug-related cases, stressing that suspicion should not be treated as proof.

According to him, personnel should observe, verify and properly document relevant information before referring cases requiring specialised drug law enforcement attention to the NDLEA or other competent agencies.

During the technical session, the NDLEA Staff Officer, Prevention and Sensitisation, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Peter Akinbode, explained that drug abuse could negatively affect individuals, families, youths and community security.

He identified peer influence, curiosity, stress, trauma, unemployment, social pressure, emotional pain and easy access to drugs among factors that could encourage substance use.

Akinbode urged Amotekun personnel to avoid judging or labelling suspected drug users, stressing the importance of observing, documenting, verifying information and referring drug-related cases to competent agencies.

He also introduced the S.A.F.E.R. response model—See, Assess, Facilitate Safety, Escalate Appropriately, Record and Refer as a guide for professional response to drug-related situations.

Nigeria Governors' Forum ,Oyo Govt move to domesticate Women Economic Empowerment Policy

 

The Oyo State Government has commenced moves to domesticate the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, with a view to institutionalising the inclusion of women in government policies, programmes, budgeting and economic opportunities across the state.

The initiative, being implemented by the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), is aimed at strengthening women’s participation in key sectors of the state’s economy and ensuring that government interventions adequately respond to their needs.

The five-day exercise, themed “Domestication of Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy,” commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The NGF delegation to the exercise is led by Prof. Olabisi Aina,a professor of sociology and specialist in gender development .

The first two days of the exercise are focused on Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and engagements with Commissioners, Directors and other critical stakeholders across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to assess the extent to which women are currently reflected in government policies, programmes and interventions.

The exercise will continue from September 9 to 11 with a three-day technical session at the Ibadan Business School, Old Bodija, Ibadan, where stakeholders will deliberate on the findings, review the policy document and validate recommendations towards its domestication in Oyo State.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Joke Fausat Saani, said the domestication of the policy would take women’s economic empowerment beyond the traditional activities of the Ministry and make it a shared responsibility of all MDAs.

She explained that the policy would ensure that women’s interests were mainstreamed into government planning, budgeting and programmes across critical sectors, including agriculture, education, employment and solid minerals.

According to her, government interventions must deliberately take women into consideration as beneficiaries, particularly in agricultural programmes involving the distribution of seedlings, fertilisers and other inputs.

The Commissioner also stressed the importance of including women living with disabilities and other persons with special needs in government programmes and empowerment initiatives.

She described the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion as the coordinating and monitoring institution for the policy, with the responsibility of ensuring that MDAs fulfil their commitments towards advancing women’s economic empowerment.

Alhaja Saani said the initiative represented a significant departure from a situation where the Ministry had to continually appeal to other MDAs to include women in their programmes.

«“We are tired of pleading. This policy is no longer about pleading; it is about changing the architecture of governance,” she said.»

She noted that the policy would also require government budgets and programmes to be examined from a gender perspective, stressing the need to determine how public expenditure translated into tangible benefits for women.

The Commissioner added that the policy would create opportunities for women to move beyond micro-enterprises and gain greater access to capital, resources and economic opportunities in sectors traditionally dominated by men.

She expressed confidence that the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, would provide the political will required to ensure the effective implementation of the policy.

Also speaking, the leader of the NGF delegation, Prof. Olabisi Aina, said the exercise was aimed at changing the architecture of governance by ensuring that women’s economic empowerment was integrated into the operations of government.

Aina explained that the policy was not designed to create another programme for the Ministry of Women Affairs alone, but to make the inclusion of women a collective responsibility of all MDAs.

She said every ministry should be able to demonstrate how women would benefit from its policies, programmes and budgets, irrespective of the sector.

According to her, ministries responsible for agriculture, recruitment, education, solid minerals and other sectors must deliberately consider women in their activities and ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources.

She described the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion as the “police” of the policy, responsible for monitoring implementation and ensuring that other MDAs fulfil their obligations, while the various MDAs would serve as the “accelerators” for achieving its objectives.

Aina urged stakeholders to approach the technical sessions with an open mind, noting that the process was rigorous because it was aimed at achieving a fundamental change in the way government policies and programmes were designed and implemented.

She emphasised that a successful society must deliberately consider women in its development agenda, adding that the WEE Policy would provide a framework for ensuring that women’s economic interests were reflected in government planning, budgeting and implementation.

The exercise is expected to culminate in a stakeholders’ workshop and validation of the findings before the policy is finalised and domesticated in Oyo State.

The domestication of the policy is expected to provide a sustainable framework for advancing women’s economic empowerment while strengthening their access to opportunities, resources and decision-making spaces across the state.

Present at the exercise were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Oluyinka Shotonwa-Roagess, and other members of the ministry’s management team.

Gov. Makinde Approves 32-Seater, 18-Seater Buses for Shooting Stars

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the immediate release of two buses, a 32-seater and an 18-seater, to Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan to support the club’s activities.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he said the gesture came on the heels of Shooting Stars’ impressive victory over CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta

According to him, the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to supporting the Oluyole Warriors as they represent Oyo State on the continental stage.

Shooting Stars’ participation in the current continental competition marks the club’s first appearance in a continental competition in 27 years.

Prince Oyelade said Governor Makinde had assured the club’s supporters and fans that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support to enable Shooting Stars remain in contention for continental honours.

He said the government is determined not only to sustain the club’s current momentum but also to restore the old glory of the “Darling Club of Oyo State.”

The Commissioner urged the players, technical crew and management of Shooting Stars to remain focused and committed, assuring them of the continued support of the state government.

Oyo 2027: Orioke Liberation Movement Rallies Support for Remi Oseni

The Orioke Liberation Movement, comprising residents and fellow citizens of Ward 9 in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, under the leadership of Hon. Shola Orioke, has rallied support for the senatorial ambition of the member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Sunday at the group's weekly meeting, the Coordinator of the movement, Hon. Shola Orioke, called on residents and political stakeholders across the Oyo South Senatorial District to support Oseni, describing him as a committed, grassroots-oriented leader with the capacity to provide effective representation at the Senate.

Orioke, while expressing confidence in the lawmaker's leadership qualities, said Oseni's track record of service and contributions to the development of his constituency had distinguished him as a suitable candidate for the Oyo South Senatorial seat.

According to him, Oseni's ambition represents an opportunity to extend quality representation and people-oriented development to other parts of the senatorial district.

The group therefore appealed to political leaders, community stakeholders, youths and other residents of Oyo South to rally behind the lawmaker in his bid to represent the district at the National Assembly.

The Orioke Liberation Movement maintained that the 2027 election would provide the people with another opportunity to elect leaders based on their track records, capacity and commitment to the development of the people.

The Coordinator urged members and supporters across the district to remain united and work towards ensuring the success of Oseni's senatorial ambition.

Joining the movement, Alhaji Jaji Olalekan described Hon. Oseni as a promise keeper who has done a lot for the people of his constituency and beyond.

He said Oseni remained the best candidate for the job, urging the people of Oyo South Senatorial District to vote massively for him during the 2027 general election.

Also speaking, Hon. Chukwudi Ezeala pledged that members of the Igbo community within the constituency would support Oseni's ambition.

Ezeala called on members of the community and other residents of the senatorial district to come out en masse to cast their votes for whom he described as a promise-keeping and God-fearing politician who “walks the talk.”

Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who currently represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in 2027, stating that his aspiration is aimed at expanding his service and developmental interventions across the district.

The movement expressed optimism that, with the support of the people and stakeholders across Oyo South, Oseni would emerge successful in his quest to represent the district at the Senate in 2027.