EX: Oyo Sports Council G.M GBOYEGA MAKINDE REMOVES TRACK SUIT FOR “BUBA AND SORO” AT 60.

I can’t believe that the time is finally here for Mr Charles Gboyega Makinde, the General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Ibadan, to retire from active service after serving the Oyo State Government meritoriously for thirty two consecutive years. There is no doubt that he will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends and associates at the Sports arena considering his numerous unquantifiable and unrivaled achievements in the recent past.

The good reasons why this multi-talented sportsman need to thank and appreciate Almighty God for his kindness and faithfulness are numerous. He was not disengage from the service on account of illness; death; compulsory retirement for misappropriation of fund and other criminal offenses. Rather, he left at the appropriate time when he attained the retirement age of sixty years. indeed, “The Lord makes everything beautiful in his own time”.

 He has a deceptive appearance and outlook though he is a man that has uncommon physical strength and speed of endurance, but my first encounter with him depicted a man with militant mien and stern face which was typical of a force man preparing for the battlefield, but to my consternation his attitude and behavior changed my opinion of this meek, gentle, affable and agreeable sports personality whose approaches to issues of life are not only pleasing but simple.

 Without being immodest, this dynamic and versatile sportsman has devoted all his lifetime to sports, he started as an athlete in 1976, he later participated in the under 17 Handball Competition during the Oluyole ‘79. He started his civil service career in 1991 as a Coach and later laterally converted to Sports Officer for the past thirty two years, he has served in various capacities in virtually all the directorates of the Council. It might interest you to know that he served as the Secretary of the Oyo State Football Association for many years and also as the Public Relations Officer of the Council.

 He is dynamic and diligent while his commitment to duty stands him out among his contemporaries.

 He is a “Stadium Person “ he spends his judicious and ample time in the Lekan Salami Sports Complex during the week and weekends. This distinguished gentleman is naturally endowed with biblical Solomonic type of wisdom to handle difficult situations, this unique quality manifested mostly in time of emergencies and crisis. Mankind is a very good crisis manager with potent and effective leadership skills.

A formidable sports administrator and all round sportsman who is an encyclopedia of knowledge. His subordinates testified to the fact that he has adequate knowledge of virtually everything that transpired in the Council since the yore days of Western States Sports Council. He fraternizes with the young and old with in the stadium for the over three decades.

To the best of my knowledge, having closely associated with him since I was deployed to serve in the Media and Communications Directorate of the Council, I can conveniently vouchsafe that whatever history that is narrated about the Sports Council by Mr Makinde is not only authentic but unquestionably reliable. No wonder most people refer to him to get facts and figures on Sporting activities in Oyo State. He is subtly referred to as the engine room of the Oyo state Sports Council, Ibadan. 

There is no gainsaying the fact that his exit will create a vacuum that will be obviously difficult to be filled, not only for his apparent exemplary leadership qualities but his academic prowess served as an added advantage to leverage on the effective management of personnel, resources, challenges and the constraints of the Council.

  In response to the question “How do you feel now that you are leaving the service of Oyo State? Mankind remarked that “I’m fulfilled with all the achievements recorded during my tenure through the divine guidance of God. By the grace of God; we have recorded remarkable and outstanding performances in the recent past. Oyo States came 7th during the National Sports Festival held in Abuja in 2018. We clinched 6th position during the Edo 2020 and 4th position at the Asaba 2022. It might also interest you to know that Oyo team came second in the First para games in Abuja. I am glad that we are consistently improving on our performances on yearly basis. To God be the glory “.

         Question 2. What are your memorable events? 

“ I will continue to remember my defense of budget at the pre-treasury board meeting whenever we are invited to justify our financial request on annual basis”

      Question 3. What are the remarkable achievements of the Council?

       “ Yes, our impressive and outstanding performance at the National and International tournaments”.

       Question 4. What are the challenges the Council is confronting that are militating against her effectiveness?

       “They are: inadequate funding,  Transport, the council cannot boast of a functional official vehicle, dearth of equipments and state of arts facilities to train athletes and enhance their performances”.

       Question 5. What do you wish to be remembered for? 

   “I came, I saw and I conquered “. 

     Question 6. What advice do you have for the upcoming athletes?

      “They need to imbibe self discipline, dedication and commitment to duties. If they adhere strictly to all these, success is guaranteed for them”.

    Question 7. Now that you are disengaging from active service, what is the next thing to do?

    “I will seek for God direction, among several available options “

    Question 8. Can you still come back to sing?

  “Yes, why not? If I am invited to serve the State Government at a political level, I will not hesitate to honor such an invitation. I want you to know that a sportsman does not retire. We have seen instances where retired officers are offered appointments as Technical Advisers of teams; Team Managers; Coaches, Chairmen of Sports Council and Commissioners amongst others”.

 Question 9. In your own opinion what are the practical steps that can be adopted to move the Council forward? 

“Let me refer you to a documents that I carefully prepared in collaboration with the team of Management of this Council which I believe will not only serve effectively in moving the council forward, it will also function as a compendium of transformation. It was tagged “Game Plan” the strategic implementation programs identified were:

    i) Government Funding 

   ii) Public Private Partnership Initiative 

   iii) Sports Corporate Endorsement 

    iv) Trust fund

    v) Sponsorship Drive

    vi) Recruitment of adequate skillful and qualified professionals staff to move the Council forward”

 Question 10. What do you think the State Government can do to motivate and boost the morale of the staff to facilitate effective performance?

    “The Government needs to ensure 

        i) Punctuality 

        ii) Professional and academic training like coaching courses, sports administrative program, Training and retraining Workshops and Seminars.

  iii) Enforcement of Self discipline and respect of hierarchy in the public and civil service etc.

  Question 11. Do you think the athletes and officials are adequately motivated in Oyo State?.

 “To the best of my knowledge the state Government should be commended for the extrinsic motivation of athletes and officials especially in the area of monetary rewards but there is urgent need to give priority attention to the intrinsic motivation which includes provision of modern equipment and state of art sporting facilities, accolades , supplements like beverages etc. Motivation is higher these days but intrinsic aspect of the motivation should be accorded recognition “. 

“MANKIND” is a multi-talented and all round athlete who plays round leather games. Badminton, Volleyball, Tennis but he is exceptionally good in HandballHis values are transparency, Liberalism and Tolerance. He loves reading intrinsic books as well.

 “At my leisure time, I take delight in taking cold beer in company of friends, colleagues and associates. Once in a while I take chilled red wine and pepper soup” 

By and large, he gives level playing ground and equal opportunities to all the members of staff of the Oyo State Sports Council. He despises ineptitude and lackadaisical attitude.

An opinion poll conducted for the staff of the Council revealed that Mr Gboyega Makinde is diligent, dynamic, industrious, intelligent, brilliant, bold, brave, resourceful, outspoken and creative but majority also remarked that he is temperamental and prone to annoyance. But, by and large, he is a gentleman of highest grade with good and excellent character. He is a man with a very large heart and he is innately good.

  It has been a privilege to work with someone who is so passionate. I have only work with you for a short time but it is undeniable that your passion has positively influenced our programme and activities at the Sports Council.

 Congratulations, cherish every moment of this time and revel in this new stage of your life. Happy Retirement 

 The man “Iroko” has gloriously retired from the active service of Oyo State, the rest is history.

G.M Oyo Sports Council MAKINDE Bows Out of Service

The General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Mr  Charles Gboyega Makinde  popularly known as "Mankind" retires from the active service of Oyo State on Friday.

 He has served meritoriously for Thirty two consecutive years.   He started his career in 1991 as  a coach and later laterally transfer his service to the cadre of Sports Officer.

 Mr Makinde has served in various capacities in virtually all the directorates of the Council. He was appointed as the Secretary of Oyo State Football Association, a position he  occupied for many years before he was appointed a General Manager.  He was the Public Relations Officer of the Council as well

 Mr Makinde also served as a Zonal Sports Officer in Saki, Ogbomoso and Iseyin.

 He participated in Oluyole 79  as an handball athlete with the under 17 team.  He is a multi- talented. Sportsman that plays badminton, volley ball, round leather game, Tennis  and handball.  

A versatile sports administrator  whose  tenure recorded an outstanding  and excellent performances during national and international tournaments. 

 

Makinde create office to boost security, sustainable economic growth in Oyo

In a bid  to safeguard Oyo State from criminal activities and enhance the economic prosperity of the people, Gov. Seyi Makinde has created an office of Migration and Homeland Security.

Mr Segun Adegoke, the Special Adviser to the Government on Migration and Homeland Security made the disclosure on Tuesday in Ibadan during a courtesy visit to Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council. 

Adegoke, a retired Assistant Controller of Immigration was received by the state executives led by the Chairman, Chief Ademola Babalola.

The office of the Special Adviser, Migration and Homeland Security is an Oyo State executive office established by the governor in 2022.

The newly created office aims at providing professional service toward managing the inflow and outflow of people and products in the state.

Adegoke said that the vision of the governor was to ensure sustainable development, adequate security and economic growth in the state as contained in his Omituntun 2.0 agenda.

He said that the effort of the governor would foster synergy with critical stakeholders toward provision of  database for the state. 

The governor's aide said that the office would serve as a One-Stop Shop, especially for diaspora indigenes to make the state attractive for investment.

 

"It will preserve and uphold the state's prosperity and economic security. Take proactive rather than retroactive actions, by building information sharing partnership with the grassroots and other security agencies.

"Prepare for and protect the state against security threats and other hazards such as natural or man-made disasters, as well as public health emergencies. 

"It will serve as liaison with Oyo state indigenes, home and Diaspora, to access economic opportunities for the development of the state through tourism and foreign direct investment," he said.

Adegoke said that the office would assist the government to regulate mining and other mineral exploitation activities in the state.

He said that such would be done through strict implementation of the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

The governor's aide said that the office would liaise with foreign embassies and High Commissions in Nigeria to promote

regular migrations, while harnessing opportunities for indigenes of Oyo state.

Adegoke said that the effort would 

ensure environmental security and the need for Oyo state environmental sustainability criteria.

He said that the office would establish  Oyo State Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship for security and increase in the internally generated revenue of the state.

Adegoke said that such would be achieved through the processing of application and payment for Citizenship by naturalisation, Special Immigration Status (SIS) by foreigners resident in the state.

He said that the office would be able to 

expand opportunities for indigenes of the state through African Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) which has potential to increase employment opportunities and incomes. 

"Trade involves movement of persons and goods. The introduction of the 'African passport' by African Union, with its attendant benefits, which will eventually be adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

"Oyo state should cue into the processes of the implementation of the AfCTA, with the office of Migration and Homeland Security as the driving force," he said.

Adegoke sought the partnership of the media toward creating awareness and  enlightening the public on the benefits accruable to state through the newly created office.

The governor's aide assured the people of effective and efficient service delivery, saying technical professional services would be explored for optimal  job performance, 

Babalola in his response, promised the readiness of the union to be a partner in progress for the newly created office.

He lauded the initiative of the governor for creating the office, saying the appointment of Adegoke to coordinate the office was a highly commendable.

The state NUJ chairman called on people and other critical stakeholders to support the governor in achieving the set goals of the initiative.

We Will Work Together with Medical Women Association for More Development in Health Sector - Oyo Govt.

The Oyo State Government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun has disclosed that the present administration in the State will partner with Medical Women Association for further development in the Health sector.

She stated this while hosting Medical Women Association of Nigeria on a courtesy visit at the SSG's conference room, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She said the election that re-elected Engineer Seyi Makinde for second term in Office was peaceful, adding that, people appreciated what the Governor has been doing in the last three and half years in the State.

The Secretary to the State Government thanked the people of the State especially the women’s society for supporting Governor Makinde's ambition for second term.

She said "we are running a successful Medical free Health Mission under the Ministry of Health, we will also collaborate with women medical association for fury development in the Health sector ."

In her remarks, the National President of the Association, Dr. Mrs Adekemi Otolorin said women in Health Sector would work with the State Government for more impactful activities that will focus more on women's Health in the State.

Dr. Otolorin described the Secretary to the State Government as an intelligent, hardworking and brilliant administrator as they decorated her as the ambassador of the Association.

Polls : Oguntoyinbo lauds tribunal for granting party’s request over omission of name on ballot paper The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun state in the last election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has commended the ruling of the elections petition tribunal, for granting the party's request to inspect all Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other sensitive materials used for the elections over omission of the party’s name on the ballot paper. The tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, had granted all the prayers of the party in the motion ex-parte filed. It would be recalled that Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election. But the NNPP went to court to challenge the omission of its name on the ballot paper in the state, noting that this act disenfranchised its members, loyalists, supporters and the masses from voting for the party during the gubernatorial and state assembly elections. The motion ex-parte was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the state chairman of the party, Olaposi Oginni. The NNPP had alleged that INEC did not include the name of the party on the governorship ballot papers as prescribed by the Electoral Act, urging the tribunal to allow it make photocopies, scan and record all sensitive materials used by INEC in the March 18 governorship election, ahead of its petition. The party added that it would seek the nullification of the governorship election in the state due to the omission of its name on the ballot papers. The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Argum Ashom, while agreeing with the party on its prayers, said, "in that effect the reliefs are granted as prayed." Oguntoyinbo, while speaking on the development in a statement personally signed by him, lauded the tribunal for granting the party's prayers over omission of its name on the ballot paper during the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state on March 18. He disclosed that the party had earlier written a letter to INEC to ensure the inclusion of its name on the ballot paper, but the electoral body in its wisdom decided to rob the party of victory by refusing to correct the error, hence, the need to challenge it constitutionally by going to the tribunal. He maintained that omitting the name of the party on the ballot paper disenfranchised voters in voting for the party, stating that it was a ploy to rob him and the party of victory in the just conducted gubernatorial and state assembly elections. He then called for the cancellation of the March 18 election and conduct of another election so that the party's name will be properly inscribed on the ballot paper.

The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun state in the last election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has commended the ruling of the elections petition tribunal, for granting the party's request to inspect all Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other sensitive materials used for the elections over omission of the party’s name on the ballot paper.

The tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, had granted all the prayers of the party in the motion ex-parte filed.

It would be recalled that Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election.

But the NNPP went to court to challenge the omission of its name on the ballot paper in the state, noting that this act disenfranchised its members, loyalists, supporters and the masses from voting for the party during the gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

The motion ex-parte was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the state chairman of the party, Olaposi Oginni.

The NNPP had alleged that INEC did not include the name of the party on the governorship ballot papers as prescribed by the Electoral Act, urging the tribunal to allow it make photocopies, scan and record all sensitive materials used by INEC in the March 18 governorship election, ahead of its petition.

The party added that it would seek the nullification of the governorship election in the state due to the omission of its name on the ballot papers.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Argum Ashom, while agreeing with the party on its prayers, said, "in that effect the reliefs are granted as prayed."

Oguntoyinbo, while speaking on the development in a statement personally signed by him, lauded the tribunal for granting the party's prayers over omission of its name on the ballot paper during the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state on March 18.

He disclosed that the party had earlier written a letter to INEC to ensure the inclusion of its name on the ballot paper, but the electoral body in its wisdom decided to rob the party of victory by refusing to correct the error, hence, the need to challenge it constitutionally by going to the tribunal.

He maintained that omitting the name of the party on the ballot paper disenfranchised voters in voting for the party, stating that it was a ploy to rob him and the party of victory in the just conducted gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

He then called for the cancellation of the March 18 election and conduct of another election so that the party's name will be properly inscribed on the ballot paper.

We Will Work Together with Medical Women Association for More Development in Health Sector - Oyo Govt.

The Oyo State Government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun has disclosed that the present administration in the State will partner with Medical Women Association for further development in the Health sector.

She stated this while hosting Medical Women Association of Nigeria on a courtesy visit at the SSG's conference room, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She said the election that re-elected Engineer Seyi Makinde for second term in Office was peaceful, adding that, people appreciated what the Governor has been doing in the last three and half years in the State.

The Secretary to the State Government thanked the people of the State especially the women’s society for supporting Governor Makinde's ambition for second term.

She said "we are running a successful Medical free Health Mission under the Ministry of Health, we will also collaborate with women medical association for fury development in the Health sector ."

In her remarks, the National President of the Association, Dr. Mrs Adekemi Otolorin said women in Health Sector would work with the State Government for more impactful activities that will focus more on women's Health in the State.

Dr. Otolorin described the Secretary to the State Government as an intelligent, hardworking and brilliant administrator as they decorated her as the ambassador of the Association.

Professor Olagoke Warns FG, CBN To Make Cash Available for Banks, Felicitates Muslims on Ramadan Fast

As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts all over the world to observe this year’s Ramadan fast, a world class Islamic leader in Oyo State and Nigeria at Large ,Engineer Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP has urged them to increase their acts of kindness and generosity to the poor in the Holy month.

The international cleric  who is the Ajagun Esin (Religious Warlord) of Oyo State also called on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency make money available for the masses to alleviate their sufferings .

Prof. Olagoke  in a message by his Media Office, described the month of Ramadan as a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Allah, enjoining Muslim faithfuls  to take advantage of it to strengthen their commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.

He said, “I congratulate Muslim faithfuls in our dear state, Oyo, in the country and all over the world for witnessing yet another blessed month of Ramadan. We thank Allah who has made this possible.

“We must endeavour to increase our acts of kindness and generosity by showing love and extending hands of support to the poor and the needy, as it was the usual practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“As we all know, Ramadan is a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Almighty Allah. We must, therefore, take advantage of this Holy month to strengthen our commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.

“I pray to Allah to accept all our acts of worship in this blessed month and reward us all abundantly." 

The cleric who is also the Mogaji Ogun Elu of the Aare Alasa dynasty  urged Muslims in the state and Nigeria , in general, to use the opportunity of the Holy month to pray for elected leaders at all levels to deliver on their promises for the peace, progress and development of Oyo State in particular and the country as a whole.

Prof. Olagoke however used the opportunity to charge the outgoing president of the country president Mohammad Buhari to put in place a good legacy for the incoming administration to build on while he repose his confidence in the candidature of the president elect Bola Hammed Tinubu to turn things around for the citizens of the country.

Olagoke however called on all Muslims to use the Ramadan period  to supplicate and pray for Nigeria and our leaders to lead us aright.

" This is the best time to supplicate because the holy month is when the Almighty Allah answer prayers and we should not let it go in vain".Science and technology as a tool to articulate Ramadan commencement period certainty and finally removed the usual time perennial agelong controversy on moon sighting for uniform commencement of Ramadan" . 

"Science and technology  as a tool to articulate Ramadan commencement period certainty finally removed the usual time perennial agelong controversy on moon sighting for uniform commencement of Ra madan just as Science is not antagonistic to Religion, we must not use it to destroy our Political Space hence there is every need to be spiritually led into all matters of social importance for Goal getting ".