Oba Balogun brought panache to royal stool, Alao mourns Olubadan

The Asiwaju of Irokoland, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (aka Allow Alao), has described the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, as a great loss to Ibadanland, Yoruba race and Nigeria. 

Alao in a condolence statement he personally signed, while expressing sympathy with all Ibadan indigenes, the royal family, Olubadan in Council, Council of Chiefs and Oyo State government, on the death of the 42nd Olubadan, said the death of the first class monarch at this time is shocking given his impact on the development of Ibadanland since he ascended the throne two years ago.

According to him, Oba Balogun who was the first most educated to have emerged as Ibadan monarch with a P.hd, brought panache and finesse to the royal institution, stating that though his impactful reign was short his landmarks as a monarch would continue to speak for him.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chiefain, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the reverred monarch with successful career in academic, business and politics, noted that his place in history is assured given his 

dedication to the welfare of his people and humanity in general. 

While recalling his first encounter with late monarch in 2018 during which he lectured him on the political process and complexities in Oyo State, Engineer Alao disclosed that Oba Balogun told him that he was ready to mentor young politicians as he did not have such a mentor on his return to Nigeria in the 1970s.

Alao said, "I received with great shock the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun and I cannot but join all Ibadan indigenes, the royal family, Olubadan in Council, Council of Chiefs and Oyo State government, to mourn our reverred father who joined his ancestors.

"There is no doubt that his impactful reign was short, however we should be console that he left legacies and landmarks that every Ibadan indigene must be proud of. 

"I pray that Almighty Allah would accept his coming and offer him a place in Aljannah."

Shafaudeen Boss Mourns As Olubadan Joins Ancestors At 82

The Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen In Islam worldwide,  Alhaji Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP  has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the death of the revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II. 

The renown cleric  in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists  described the passing of Oba Olalekan Balogun as a monumental loss not only for the people of Ibadan, but for the entire state.

Olagoke,   the mogaji Ogun-Elu Aare Alasa dynasty  expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathises with the immediate family, friends, as well as subjects of the late Olubadan, who ascended the throne  two years ago.

He said that the news of Oba Balogun’s transition to join his ancestors at the age of 82 has sent shockwaves through the traditional and political spheres of Ibadanland.

Olagoke  stated that Balogun’s relatively short but impactful reign marked a period of unity, progress and community development.

“I join the people of Ibadanland in mourning the loss of a beloved monarch and elder statesman. I stand in solidarity with the community in honouring the legacy and contributions of Oba Balogun,” he said.

He emphasised the enduring impact of his leadership and the indelible mark he left behind on the cultural tapestry of Ibadan. 

The expression of shock and sorrow by the Ibadan Chief , echoed the sentiments of a community united in grief over the loss of a revered monarch.

Arole Ogun-Elu said that Oba Olalekan Balogun’s memory would forever be indelible  in the annals of Ibadan’s history.

The cleric's statement reflected a sense of shared grief and reverence for the late Olubadan, who embodied wisdom, grace and dedication to the welfare of his people.

His statement serves as a testament to the enduring impact of his reign and the profound influence he wielded during his tenure as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Prof. Olagoke's statement underscored the deep respect and admiration he held for the late Olubadan, recognising his pivotal role in upholding the rich cultural heritage as well as traditions of Ibadan.

His tribute to Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun serves as a  reminder of the importance of cherishing and preserving the legacies of esteemed leaders and custodians of tradition.

Pearl Private School Holds Maiden Inter - House Sports Competition

The Proprietress of Pearl Private School, Mrs Adeoye Olufunso Abimbola has called on Government at all levels to design  palliative support to Private School owners in Oyo State.

She stated this during inter- house sport competition among the students of the school at Don Boscol Catholic field, Ogungbade, Ibadan.

The Proprietress of the school, Mrs Adeoye  Olufunso Abimbola enjoined  the government  to  make welfare  of private schools  mandatory  as we are navigating  our way through  the current  economic  hardship  in Nigeria. 

She said "we don't know what these children would become in the future, we are giving them a platform to showcase their talents in sport activities, who knows who will become Azizat Osoala, Victor Oshimen and Anthony Joshua of this world, we need to encourage our own children on sporting event".

Mrs Adeoye  admonished President Bola Tinubu led Government to support the private school owners in Nigeria by providing an enabling environment ditto financial  grant to improve the standard of education in their various schools.

In his remarks, the Chairman Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Oyo State branch, Surveyor Waheed Abiodun Lamidi who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion urged parents and guardians to allow their children to partake in sport activities, hinting that, it will not disturb their academic carrier.

Also speaking, the royal father of the day, Baale Wasiu Atilola Aare commended parents for allowing their children to participate in the sport competition despite the economic challenges facing the country.

One of the graduates of the school, Olawumi Easter described Pearl Private School as one of the best schools where standard  and qualitative  education  is not negotiated, "they know how to teach very well, all their teachers are well trained". She said. 

At the end of the competition the blue house came first, yellow  house  came  second  and orange  came third.

The trophy  was presented  to the respective  winners  under  an atmosphere of  glamour. 

The whole  essence  of the exercise  is to showcase  a balanced  education  with rich curriculum  and extra  curricular  activities.

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA INDUCTS 32 OYSCOHEST MLT GRADUATES

 

32 Medical Laboratory Technician Graduates of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan have been inducted into the profession by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.

Delivering a speech at the induction and Oath taking  ceremony held at the College Auditorium, the Chairman and the special Guest of Honour at the occasion,  the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi assured the College of Governor Seyi Makinde's commitment to Education and Health,  promising that the College will continue to receive constant support and cooperation of the present Administration. She called on the Inductees to  be of good moral standard and uphold the principles and ethics of their profession.

Also speaking at the ceremony,  the Provost of the College,  Mrs Oluyemisi Oyewo congratulated the  inductees and urged them to be good ambassadors of the College and maintain a high level of discipline and professionalism in the pursuit of their profession. She commended the Registrar of the  Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria for ensuring high standard of professional regulation and practice and expressed her appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Engr.  Seyi Makinde FNSE DSc for the recent employment of three Medical Laboratory Scientists to meet the manpower requirements of the Department of Medical Laboratory Technicians Training of the College. 

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria,  Dr. Tosan Erhabor, who was represented by the Director, Health Laboratory Planning,  Research and Statistics, Dr. Akinwale  Akinlabi also  congratulated the Inductees and led them in the oath taking. He commended the management of the College for creating an enabling learning and teaching environment for the students and advised the Inductees  to go further in their academic pursuit.

 

Earlier in

her welcome address, the Head of Department, Medical Laboratory Technicians Training,   MLS Suliat Adigun Mustapha said over 80 MLT Graduates have so far been inducted in the College, as she thanked the management for always supporting the Department. She eulogized the pioneer and immediate past Head of the Department, MLS Rukayat Omolola Arikewuyo for nurturing the Department from the scratch to limelight and implored the Inductees to put their training to professional good practice and  advance in their academic pursuits.

The event was attended by eminent personalities in the Medical Laboratory Science profession, the Permanent Secretary,  Ministry of Health,  Dr Akintunde Ayinde, parents and guardians of the inductees,  management and staff of the College as well as  other well wishers. The cultural troop of the College added glamour to the occasion with their performance.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

SALES OF SCRATCH CARDS FOR COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMINATION INTO AIR FORCE MILITARY SCHOOL AND AIR FORCE GIRLS MILITARY SCHOOL, JOS 2024/2025 ACADEMIC SESSION

This is to inform the General Public that the sales of scratch cards for online registration for entrance examination into JSS One of Air Force Military School, (AFMS) and Air Force Girls Military School (AFGMS), Jos for 2024/2025 Academic Session have commenced from 20th February, 2024 and will end on 13th April, 2024.

Candidates are to purchase the Scratch Cards and past question Booklets at the cost of #1,500 and 500 respectfully at room 53, Office of the Governor, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Listeners are enjoined to please inform all eligible Candidates of Oyo State Origin that the portal for the online registration is open for Common Entrance Examination into Air Force  Military School and Air Force Girls Military School. Jos for 2024 /2025 academic session and will end on 13th April, 2024.

Thank you. 

            

                   ANNOUNCER

Professor Olanike Adeyemo FAS FTWAS, Secretary to the Oyo State Government .

Ramadan : Alao felicitates Muslim faithful

With the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan on Monday, a staunch chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, ( aka Allow Alao), has felicitated with the teeming Muslim faithful in the state and the country as a whole.

Alao in a statement by his Media Office, said  since Islam is a religion of peace, it is important and a duty for the adherents to imbibe the culture of peace in their dealings with fellow humans, praying that Allah (SAW) rewards their works of Ibadah.

While describing the holy month of Ramadan as a special and blessed one, he enjoined Muslim faithful to use the period of the fasting to increase their prayers for the pace setter state and the country.

He said, "I want to sincerely congratulate the Muslim faithful in our dear state and the country as a whole for witnessing the holy month of Ramadan. As Muslims, I believe that this season provides an opportunity for us to be good Ambassadors of Islam by upholding the values of peace, forgiveness, self-discipline, generosity and compassion as enshrined in the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) in the Holy Quran."

On the current economic situation in the country, Engineer Alao reassured the people that things will soon get better as tough times never last but tough people do, urging them to keep hopes alive as there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

He, however, maintained that with the right set of leaders at the helms of affairs and prudent management of the resources of the country, together with sincerity of purpose and rigid accountability, it is only a matter of time for the country to get out of the woods.

He then reiterated that the foregoing has been the cardinal principles he has based his involvement in politics on, assuring that the welfare of the people would always be his priority.

Hardship: AWDROP offers help to Tinubu on food security

…says borehole now out of reach of poor Nigerians, urges govt to rescue situation 

The Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) in Nigeria, has offered to assist President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government in areas of ensuring food security by deploying their expertise in groundwater resources on irrigation projects across  the country. 

The association also decried that the poor in Nigeria can no longer afford to drill borehole s because of the rising cost of things and urged government to rescue the situation. 

National President of the Association and development expert, Mr. Micheal Ale, made the remarks on Friday during the association ‘s 7th National Borehole Practitioners Conference and Congress held at Reverton Hotel in Kogi State. 

He said:” The cost of drilling boreholes had increased from the usual price more than tripple, which is beyond the reach of the middle class not to talk of the poor. Government should rise to the occasion and assist the poor.” 

The event, organized by AWDROP, is a biannual gathering that aims at addressing  the challenges of borehole sustainability in Nigeria's current economic climate.

Ale also assured the FG that his association was ready to partner with government on other areas, especially in tackling water borne diseases, to ensure meaningful growth and development. 

Mr. Ale who highlighted the imperative of hiring technocrats such as members of AWDROP to assist on borehole sustainability right from the conceptualization stage to execution, expressed concerns over the humongous  amount of money government usually spend on borehole projects with little or no significant impact on the financial and social well-being of the communities they serve. 

Noting that failure to fully partner with AWDROP in such areas accounts for the insignificant output, he therefore assured that the alarming rate of water-related diseases recorded in hospitals across the country, would drastically reduce if FG partners with his team in handling several water related projects. 

Ale itemized areas of needed partnership with government to include technical and financial regulation within the sector, monitoring and supervision of projects, collecting data on dysfunctional facilities, and exploring water for irrigation to enhance food security, he added that: ” These are just a few areas where partnership could make a significant impact.

Addressing participants at the Conference, Mr. Ale expressed gratitude to the National and local  Organizing Committees for making the event possible. He also recognized the resource persons who were carefully selected to share their ideas. He encouraged all participants to make the most of the conference by networking and enjoying their time in the confluence state. 

Mr. Ale also reflected on the progress AWDROP has made since its establishment ten years ago. He noted that while the association's goal of reaching the top echelon of professional bodies has not been fully achieved,  it has established itself as a strong ally of governments and other agencies at all levels in the areas of exploring and  managing water resources. He added that  AWDROP now has a presence in 27 states of Nigeria, including the federal capital territory. 

The development expert stressed the importance of AWDROP's slogan, "Water is Life," and how it goes beyond business ventures. His words: “The lack of potable water, especially in rural areas, poses a significant challenge to many Nigerians.  AWDROP is committed to alleviating this suffering, even at the expense of their business profits. The fact now is that  80% of Nigeria's water supply comes from boreholes, making it crucial to regulate and improve the exploration and exploitation of this resource, “ he said. 

Mr. Ale also reiterated AWDROP's commitment to partnering with governments, organizations, politicians, and individuals to provide potable water through borehole drilling.