Oyo Govt Engages Waste Management Consultants

...reaffirms commitment to improving Absolute System Sanitization 

The Oyo State Government has held a strategic stakeholders meeting with waste management consultants operating across the state as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen waste management systems and reposition the state as a leader in environmental sustainability in Nigeria, particularly in the waste management sector.

The meeting held at the ministry conference hall on Tuesday provided a platform for engagement between government officials and the key waste management operators to address existing challenges and improve service delivery.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Aderinto reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to restoring Oyo State to its former glory as the PACESETTER for effective waste management and environmental protection.

The commissioner stated that the government remains determined to position Oyo State as the frontier of environmental sustainability in Nigeria within the remaining tenure of the current administration. 

He stressed that the ministry shall continue to implement policies and initiatives aimed at improving sanitation and ensuring a cleaner environment for residents.

Engr. Aderinto explained that although the office of the commissioner possesses the authority to restructure the existing waste management system, he has deliberately chosen to maintain the current framework and personnel, provided their operations align with government policies and expectations.

According to him, since assuming office, no major changes have been made to the existing waste management structure, as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has decided to give the consultants the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity, capability, and commitment to supporting the environmental agenda of the state.

The Commissioner, however, emphasized that the continuation of consultants’ engagements will be strictly based on performance evaluation, compliance with operational guidelines, and the quantum of complaints received from the public.

He added that the renewal of contracts, which would be due at the end of this month, will depend on measurable performance indicators and the number of unresolved complaints against each consultant.

He further noted that all waste management activities must continue to be coordinated through the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) as stipulated by the Oyo State laws. OYOWMA will henceforth supervise the operations of the consultants and report directly to the Ministry.

 He  assured the consultants that the Oyo State Government remains committed to meeting its financial obligations, disclosing that payments owed for waste evacuation services from January 23 till date would be settled within 48 hours, while efforts are ongoing to resolve the backlog of payments for November and December.

At the close of the meeting, the chairman of OYOWMA, Hon. Adeniyi Akanbi, commended the  Commissioner's leadership model and his commitment to strengthening collaboration with waste management consultants and advancing environmental sustainability across Oyo State.

50% Tractorisation subsidy: Oyo Govt Trains 116 Extension Agents, Monitoring Officers on Improved Mapping Application.

Oyo State Government  has  trained 116 Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers on the newly improved mapping application deployed under the State’s 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural service delivery and ensure transparency in government interventions.

Declaring the training open, the State  Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated that agriculture remains a central pillar in the economic development agenda of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, explained that the administration remains committed to boosting food production while ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in the implementation of agricultural programmes across the State.

He  noted that the introduction of the upgraded mapping application represents a significant milestone in the Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, as it will enable accurate geo-referencing of farm locations and sizes, eliminate duplication, ensure fair allocation of subsidised services, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and provide real-time data for planning and policy decisions.

 According to him, the innovation will also enhance transparency and accountability in programme implementation.

Barr. Olaleye therefore urged the participants to take the training seriously, noting that Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers remain the backbone of agricultural service delivery in the State. 

He added that the training is designed to equip them with the necessary technical knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilise the improved mapping application, while also commending the Department of Agricultural Extension Services and other partners for their commitment to strengthening agricultural mechanisation in Oyo State.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede  Owoeye,  described the training as both strategic and timely in advancing the State’s agricultural development agenda. 

She noted that the newly improved farmland mapping application, deployed under the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, represents a major step toward strengthening agricultural mechanisation, improving transparency, and ensuring efficient service delivery to farmers across Oyo State.

Mrs. Owoeye explained that the programme has continued to provide significant support to farmers by reducing the cost of land preparation, improving the timeliness of farming operations, and increasing overall productivity. 

According to her, the upgraded digital platform will ensure accurate geo-referencing of farm locations, eliminate duplication and irregularities in subsidy allocation, enable real-time monitoring of tractor deployment, and promote data-driven planning and policy decisions within the Ministry.

She emphasised that Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers remain the vital link between government policies and farmers at the grassroots, stressing that the success of the improved application depends largely on their competence, diligence, and integrity. 

The Permanent Secretary therefore urged participants to actively engage in the training and assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in providing the necessary tools and enabling environment to enhance service delivery to farmers across the State.

OYRLEA, Security Operatives Launch Major 'Clearance Operation' Against Illegal Fuel Merchants on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with multiple Security Agencies, has conducted a successful clearance operation targeting illegal fuel merchants operating at the Toll Gate along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. 

The operation resulted in the discovery and impoundment of several litres of illegally stored petroleum products. 

The joint operation, led by CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd.), Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, and CP Sonubi Ayodele Olufemi (Rtd.), Executive Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law Enforcement, alongside the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, DCP Francis Ojomo, and the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode Esq. aimed to curb illegal trading of petroleum products and ensure public safety along major highways.

During the operation, dozens of litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and diesel were found stored in 25-litre kegs and large drums, with numerous empty barrels and containers used for illegal storage and sale of petroleum products also discovered. The items were impounded, and empty containers were destroyed on site.

CP Odukoya and CP Sonubi condemned the activities of illegal fuel merchants, emphasizing that the Oyo State Government would not tolerate such practices, which pose a threat to public safety and the environment. 

The OYRLEA has directed owners of the impounded items to report to their office within seven days for proper identification and documentation, or risk forfeiture to the Oyo State Government.

The suspected operators, however, were not present at the location during the exercise, but enforcement will be a continuum until such indiscriminate acts are nipped in the bud.

Residents and members of the public are also urged to refrain from engaging in illegal fuel trading and other hideous crimes and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate Authorities, as the State Government intensifies efforts to maintain safety, order, and environmental compliance across Oyo State.

The operation involved personnel from OYRTMA, the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, OYRLEA, NSCDC, Oyo State Environmental Task Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army.

OYSCOHEST announces the commencement of sale of 2026/2027 Admission Forms.

The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has announced the commencement of the sale of application forms for the admission of suitably qualified candidates into various programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued in Ibadan and signed by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sola Samuel Ojewole.

According to the statement, prospective candidates can apply for several programmes offered by the College. These include Diploma programmes for Health Technicians, Health Education and Promotion, Social Work, Health Care Administration and Management, and Medical Store Management.

Other available programmes include Certificate courses for Health Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians and X-Ray Technicians.

The statement also listed WAHEB Diploma in Environmental Health Technology, Professional Diploma in Health Information Management, Professional Diploma in Dental Surgery Technician, Professional Diploma in Mental Health and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Professional Diploma in Hospitality Management, as well as Diploma in Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Interested applicants are advised to visit the College website at www.oyschst.edu.ng for detailed information on the application process and payment procedures.

For further enquiries regarding the admission, candidates may call 08120004231, 07086566202, or 08055230385, or visit the College's ICT Centre at Eleyele, Ibadan,  during office hours.

The College also stated that the date for the entrance examination will be announced later.

Oyo Govt Sensitises Farmers on Climate Forecast

... flags off 2026 Farming Season 

The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has sensitised the  farmers across the state to take advantage of seasonal climate forecasts to guide their farming activities and improve agricultural productivity.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye,while flagging off the  2026 Farming Season at the Local Government Staff Hall, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan,said the seasonal climate prediction serves as an important early warning system that provides farmers with vital information on rainfall patterns, the onset, and cessation of the rainy season, the length of the cropping season, possible dry spells, and temperature variations.

He explained that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicates that Oyo State may experience varying dry spell conditions across some Local Government Areas, stressing the need for farmers to pay close attention to weather advisories while planning their farming activities.

Barr. Olaleye also formally flagged off the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the SAfER initiative, noting that the programme was introduced to make mechanised farming more accessible and affordable for farmers across the state.

According to him, since the programme commenced in 2024, significant progress has been recorded with the registration of tractors and booking agents, while thousands of acres of farmland have been ploughed for farmers across the state.

 He added that the initiative has enabled farmers to cultivate larger farm sizes, reduce labour costs, and improve planting schedules.

In his remarks, the Chairman,Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Peter Ojedokun, commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde for being proactive in agricultural development in the state.

He, however, pledged that the Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin, would continue to support policies and programmes aimed at strengthening agriculture and improving the welfare of farmers across the state.

Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that the convergence of the three events; the flag-off of the farming season, the presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction, and the tractorisation subsidy programme reflects the seriousness of the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation in Oyo State.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to people-centred development initiatives in the state.

Mrs. Owoeye explained that the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction would provide farmers and stakeholders with critical information on rainfall onset and cessation dates, expected dry spells, length of the growing season, temperature outlook, and flood risk zones across the state.

She added that the aim of the sensitisation programme was to bridge the gap between scientific climate information and practical agricultural decision-making.

According to her, understanding and applying seasonal climate predictions would help farmers determine appropriate planting dates, select suitable crop varieties, plan irrigation schedules, manage livestock and fisheries effectively, and mitigate risks associated with floods and drought.

In his contribution, the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Samson Adetunji, commended the Oyo State Government for its sustained commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.

He added that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Bola Tinubu, remains committed to supporting farmers across the country through policies and programmes aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.

Also speaking, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Adewumi Abass, appreciated the government on behalf of farmers in the state.

He noted that information on weather forecasts is important, particularly considering the global challenges posed by climate change, and urged farmers to strictly adhere to the predictions released by NiMet to avoid losses and ensure a successful farming season.

Oyo Govt. Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Welfare

 

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the welfare and empowerment of women across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, made this known during a courtesy visit by the women’s wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adetunji stated that the present administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to policies and programmes that promote the welfare and advancement of women in Oyo State.

He urged women in the state to work collectively towards common goals, emphasizing the importance of organizing training programmes and symposiums that would further educate and empower women to take leadership roles in society.

According to him, "the Makinde-led administration has consistently given priority to women’s development across the state".

Adetunji also encouraged the NLC women’s wing to continue promoting the government’s achievements in governance across every part of the state so that the administration’s good work would be sustained in the Pacesetter State.

“Women are increasingly taking up more seats in the National Assembly, State Assemblies, as Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Local Government Administration in the country,”

 “Always carry the media houses along in all your programmes so that your activities can gain prominence in the society.”

In her remarks, the chairperson of the NLC women’s wing, Comrade Olumide Lawal Bolanle, commended Governor Makinde for prioritizing women’s welfare in the state.

She also urged the state government to further promote gender equality and ensure that women are adequately represented in governance and decision-making processes across the state.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

9/3/2026

Breaking: Makinde to Swear in Newly Appointed Permanent Secretaries on Tuesday

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde will, on Tuesday, preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state’s Civil/Public Service.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni,mni hinted that the ceremony will take place on Tuesday by 10:00 a.m at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The event marks a significant administrative step in strengthening the leadership structure of the state Civil Service. 

At the ceremony, the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are expected to formally take the oath of office before the Governor.

The appointments are part of ongoing efforts by Governor Makinde administration to enhance efficiency and service delivery within the public service of Oyo State and for the overall development of the state.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

9/3/2026.