RENEWED HOPE IN IGBO-ORA: THE ADEDIGBA FAMILY'S LEGACY OF HEALTHCARE PHILANTHROPY

In the heart of Igbo-Ora, a rustic community in Ibarapa central local government area of Oyo State, a ray of hope shines bright.

The General Hospital, Igbo-Ora, a 60-year-old institution, has been transformed, thanks to the generosity of the Adedigba family. 

This remarkable story of philanthropy and community spirit is a testament to the power of giving back by the famous Adedigba family in Igboora. Just a year ago, the family constructed and donated a multimillion naira ultra-modern health Centre in the memory of Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adetonwa Adedigba at the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN Centre), Joyce B Road in Ibadan.

The latest remodeling and renovation of the General Hospital, Igbo-Ora, by The Adedigbas was in preservation of the hospital founded on February 9, 1963, as the Ibarapa Project, a collaborative effort between the University of Ibadan, the Western Nigeria Government and the Ibarapa community. 

The Rockefeller Foundation provided seed funding, while the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene offered technical support to medical staff. 

The hospital's objectives were threefold: teach medical students and doctors through practical work, study healthcare delivery problems in the Ibarapa community and conduct research into various aspects of health and diseases.

Over the years, the hospital has served the community tirelessly, but the passage of time took its toll on the facilities. 

The infrastructure was crumbling and the equipment was outdated. 

The hospital's capacity to provide quality healthcare was severely compromised.

Enter the Adedigba family, who decided to honor their patriarch, Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba, by giving back to the community. 

They embarked on an ambitious project to remodel and renovate the General Hospital, Igbo-Ora few months back and successfully handed over the project to the Community and the State Government for the quality health care delivery of the residents of the area.

The scope of the project was extensive. 

The family rehabilitated the Female Ward, Theatre Complex, Mortuary Complex, Consulting Rooms, Record Department, and Ante-Natal Hall. 

They also installed a Solar Panel Street Lighting System, ensuring the hospital's energy needs are met sustainably.

The Adedigba family's generosity has revitalized the hospital, providing a conducive environment for healthcare delivery. 

The renovated facilities are a far cry from the dilapidated structures that once stood. 

The hospital now boasts modern equipment and the staff morale has received a significant boost.

The impact of the Adedigba family's philanthropy extends beyond the hospital's walls. 

The community has embraced the renovated hospital and the demand for healthcare services has increased. 

The hospital's capacity to provide quality care has been enhanced, and the lives of countless individuals have been touched.

As we reflect on this remarkable story, we are reminded that philanthropy has the power to transform lives and communities.

The Adedigba family's legacy of healthcare philanthropy will be remembered for generations to come.

A distinguished career civil servant, Late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba was born on the 30th of August, 1943, in Oke Iserin quarters of Igbo-ora in the Ibarapa division of the old Western region. He bagged a Master of Public Administration post graduate degree with distinction from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a certificate in Human Resource Management from the university of Connecticut. He had earlier obtained his first degree in Geography from the University of Ibadan, between 1968 and 1970 and thereafter pursued a prestigious career in the Oyo state civil service. He rose through the ranks to retire into active participation in community development among which is the establishment of Nawair-ud-Deen Grammar school, Igbo-ora, which also has a block of classrooms donated by the Adedigba family.

Last Friday’s event in Igboora which drew royal fathers; community elders; religious leaders; State and Local Government officials and beneficiaries of late Adedigba’s laudable good deeds while alive, would be remembered for years to come by the residents of the area who trooped out in their thousands to celebrate the newly renovated hospital by the family.

As Oyo makes significant progress in road infrastructure under Makinde

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

The recent commissioning of eight feeder roads, totalling 38.48 kilometres, reconstructed within the Ibadan Zone underscores the unwavering commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde to addressing the critical infrastructure deficit in road construction across Oyo State.

While commissioning the feeder roads, Governor Makinde had said: “As a government, our job is to do our best with the little resources we have to keep the residents happy and attract more people to come to our state. This is the way we grow our economy. 

We also acknowledge that we do not have all the resources at our disposal. So, we cannot meet all our needs at the same time.

“This commissioning today will be the first of many. 

Our administration earmarked an initial 95.58km of feeder roads for asphaltic improvement and reconstruction in December 2023. This is just half-way through it and they are to be completed within 12 months. 

“With over 38km completed and the remaining 57km ongoing, I can rightly say we are over half-way done.”

Since assuming office in May 2019, the Makinde administration has made remarkable progress in improving the road infrastructure in Oyo State. 

Between June 2019 and May 2023, the government completed 144.37 kilometres of roads. From June 2023 to May 2024, an additional 152.92 kilometres were completed.

Adding the recently finished 38.48 kilometres of feeder roads, the Oyo State Government has successfully completed a total of 335.77 kilometres of roads, with another 273.31 kilometres currently under construction. 

These achievements do not include the numerous road projects undertaken by local government councils throughout the state.

This progress comes at a time when road infrastructure has become a trending issue on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

 While the focus has been on the state of roads in other southwest states, it has inevitably cast a spotlight on Oyo State's efforts to mitigate its infrastructure deficit. Previous administrations primarily focused on road rehabilitation within the Ibadan Zone, leaving inter-zone commuting difficult and time-consuming due to the dilapidated state of intra-state roads. 

This not only hindered economic growth outside Ibadan but also placed a heavy reliance on the zone for internally generated revenue.

Governor Makinde recognised that a new approach was needed to unlock Oyo State's full potential. So, he adopted a strategic plan to allocate resources towards roads critical to the state's economy, aiming for accelerated development and economic growth. The goal was to connect all zones with motorable roads, thereby opening up other parts of the state to more investments.

Oyo State, being largely agrarian, also needed improved rural roads to facilitate market access for farmers. In July 2019, barely six weeks into office, the Makinde administration paid counterpart funding for the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) project to rehabilitate 1,000 kilometres of rural roads. Once the matching funds are released, the project will commence.

One of the administration's first major projects was the 65-kilometre Moniya-Iseyin Road, a federal road connecting the Ibadan Zone (the main consumption centre) with the Oke-Ogun Zone (the food basket). Completed in 18 months despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this project leveraged Oyo State's comparative advantage in agriculture. Subsequently, the government has connected the Oke-Ogun and Oyo Zones by reconstructing another federal road - the 34.85-kilometre Oyo-Iseyin Road, linked the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun Zones with the limited rehabilitation of the 38-kilometre Igboora-Igangan-Iganna Road, and connected the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso Zones with a new 76.67-kilometre road between Iseyin and Ogbomoso. 

The ongoing rehabilitation of the 48-kilometre Ido-Eruwa Road will further enhance connectivity between the Ibadan and Ibarapa Zones.

Beyond major inter-zone roads, the Makinde administration has undertaken various road projects across the state, including completing ongoing and abandoned projects inherited from previous administrations. 

LaNotable examples include the 12.5-kilometre Challenge-Apata Road, the 9.7-kilometre Saki Township dualisation, and the 5.2-kilometre Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road.

Local government councils have also played a crucial role in road rehabilitation. Projects like the 10.3-kilometre Ido-Omi Adio Road by the Ido Local Government Council, the 14.1-kilometre Eruwa-Lanlate-Maya Road by the Ibarapa East Local Government Council, and the 6-kilometre Idiko-Ile Ayegun Road by the Iwajowa Local Government Council have significantly improved access and connectivity within the state.

With four out of the five zones now connected, the focus has shifted to feeder roads. 

In 2024 alone, the government awarded contracts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 106.41 kilometres of roads in Ibadan, with eight feeder roads totalling 38.48 kilometres already completed. 

Governor Makinde has assured that similar efforts will be extended to the remaining four zones.

This strategic approach to bridging the infrastructure gap is yielding positive results. 

Improved connectivity has attracted more businesses to set up operations outside Ibadan, significantly reducing journey times and fostering economic growth. 

For instance, the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, situated along the reconstructed 34.85-kilometre Oyo-Iseyin Road, is now fully occupied by medium to large-scale businesses.

Increased investments have boosted Oyo State's internally generated revenue from an average of N1.8 billion monthly in 2019 to N4.9 billion monthly as of Q1 2024. 

This revenue growth enables the state to allocate more resources to road projects, ensuring continued progress in addressing the infrastructural deficit.

In addition, Oyo State is now seen as the new Lagos for real estate development and other major projects.

In fact, hardly would you see a development project being carried out within Nigeria which does not feature Oyo State. All of these are direct and indirect results of Governor Seyi Makinde’s strategic approach to road construction within the state.

As Governor Seyi Makinde has promised, the government is not planning to slow down or rest on its oars. Presently, the government is also constructing the futuristic and ambitious 110-kilometre Circular Road which encircles Ibadan and will take the pressure off inner-city roads, reducing congestion and providing another option for motorists passing through Ibadan to other states. The road will be tolled to raise revenue.

Makinde has promised that at least 70 kilometres of the project will be completed before the end of his second tenure.

Truly, the Seyi Makinde administration is working with the mantra, “Where roads go, developments follow,” as it seeks to take the people of Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.

Dr. Olanrewaju is the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor.

OYSCONS Distance Self From Online Scammers

      
The Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences has distanced itself from a fraudulent online advertisement falsely claiming to represent the institution by providing misleading information about its admission process.
      
This was disclosed by the Provost of the College, Dr Gbonjubola Owolabi who emphasized that the College strictly communicates official announcements including admission process through its verified social media platforms and other established communication channels.
        
Dr Owolabi reiterated that the College does not request sensitive information through unofficial channels and advised against sharing personal or financial details with any unofficial sources claiming affiliation with the College.

She urged the general public to verify the authenticity of any information, online advertisement or message purportedly from the College by consulting its official communication channels or contact the Registrar's office.

The Provost outlined the official communication channels as follows;
College Webmail: registrar@oysconme.edu.ng
College Website: www.oysconme.edu.ng
Mobile No: 08156903399 or 09138766976
Library: c/o Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

She emphasized the importance of using these channels to verify any information related to the College.

CAC OKE AYO ISEYIN MARKS 5TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AMID JUBILATION

Christ Apostolic Church Oke Ayo Iseyin has marked her fifth Annual Convention in a grand  style with  eminent personalities from far and near in attendance.

Delivering a sermon at the 31st thanksgiving anniversary Thanksgiving service  and  the fifth Convention , the CAC President Worldwide Pastor  Henry Ojo congratulated the Senior Pastor Paul Olusola Aderoju and the Church members for their steadfastness in working for God emphasizing that they would be rewarded on earth and in heaven. 

Pastor Henry Ojo said anything done for God  was never a waste as there are rewards for it urging christians to forge ahead in their services to God .

The CAC president stressed the need to obey God and uphold righteousness in everything they do for God. 

In his welcome address , the Senior Pastor of the Church Pastor Paul Olusola Aderoju thanked the members of CAC Oke Ayo Iseyin  for their commitment towards the progress and development of the Church established in 1993.

The CAC Oke Ayo Senior Pastor commended the Oyo State Governor  Engineer Seyi Makinde for various achievements of his Government  since 2019 till date urging Oyo State Government  to beef up more security in the Oke Ogun areas of Oyo State and other parts of the State for socio economic development.

The Cleric urged Christians to  serve God honestly and eschew all sinful acts and behavior saying there are rewards for anything done be it good or bad.

Pastor  Paul Olusola Aderoju  equally called on the federal government to address  the skyrocketing  prices of goods including the high pump price of petroleum products which he said was behind the hyper inflation  in the country. 

The event featured Special music ministrations , Prophetic prayers , and presentation of prizes. 

It was attended by eminent personalities from far and near including traditional rulers and chiefs .

Makinde Economic Blueprint: (Willy Oluyole) Role in Attracting Investors to Oyo State

 

Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams has emerged as a key player in driving investment opportunities in the state. As the Honorable Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams has initiated a series of innovative programs aimed at showcasing Oyo State as a fertile ground for investors.

With the full backing and approval of Governor Makinde, Mr. Williams has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. His initiatives have successfully attracted both local and international investors, cementing Oyo State's position as a prime destination for investment in Nigeria.

His efforts are deeply rooted in the vision and support of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE. Under the Governor's leadership, there is a strong push towards economic development, making Oyo State a favorable environment for investment.

Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams has been instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere for investors by showcasing the state's rich agricultural potential, strategic location, and government policies with incentives. His initiatives focus on building partnerships, facilitating business-friendly policies, and ensuring that investors are well-supported in their ventures in the state.

Mr. Williams' leadership role in this endeavor cannot be overstated. His tireless efforts in promoting Oyo State's vast resources and potential have yielded remarkable results. His ability to facilitate seamless interactions between investors and the state government has been a game-changer, ensuring that investment opportunities are seamlessly executed.

The impact of Mr. Williams' initiatives are evident in the numerous success stories of businesses that have benefited from his leadership. However, Governor Makinde's commitment to excellence and dedication to the development of Oyo State has earned him recognition as a champion of investment attraction in Nigeria.

As Oyo State continues to flourish under the distinguished leadership of Governor Makinde and the stewardship of Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, the state is poised to become a hub for investment, development, and economic growth in Nigeria."

Unveiling Shefty Ladies Wear Oje Market, Ibadan

 

The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Shefty Ladies Wear, Mr Sheriff Anifowose is at Bank road Oje junction, Ibadan.

The shop outlet is one of the best in Ibadan, specifically at Oje market selling the latest ladies Wear for ladies in the town. 

No wonder all hot ladies in Ibadan trooped out in large numbers to select their size at shefty Ladies wear outlet in the heart of Ibadan city (Oje Market).

Shefty is one of the market organizers in Oje Market  arranging the market in a very orderly way.

Shefty Ladies Wear outlet is located at Bank road, Oje Central Market, Ibadan.

Mr Sheriff Anifowose was a graduate of Business Administration and Management at the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke some years back with a lots of experiences in business management.

He is currently the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Shefty Ladies Wear, Oje, Ibadan. 

Contact Shefty on ........ 

 0811 826 8315

Patronize him today for your best outfit.

Ends.... 

GSM- PWD’s Initiative Commends Makinde, Empowers Members, Gives Orientation on Self-reliance

 

As part of efforts towards reducing poverty in the state especially among People With Disabilities, (PWDs) the GSM- PWD’s Initiative has organized a capacity building programme.

The, programme, targeted at building a Brighter Future and Raising Hope for Persons with Disabilities in Oyo state was coordinated by the Executive Assistant to the Governor Seyi Makinde on People With Disabilities, Mr Femi Timothy to intimate PWDs on the giant strides of the Governor over the last 5 years and most especially in Omituntun 2:0 .

According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde gives priority attention to the welfare of PWDs through the creation of the Agency for People With Disabilities .

Mr Timothy said that the PWDs will enjoy more dividends of democracy in Omituntun 2:0 as the state government has taken some bold steps towards ensuring a better life for them.

” I want to thank the state Governor, Egnr Seyi Makinde for the unflinching support given to PWDs in Oyo state. PWDs in the state are fortunate to have a passionate person at the helm of affairs, hence the progress made regarding their wellbeing.

” I urge everyone to continue to support Governor Makinde in his people-oriented projects aimed at raising Hope for Persons with Disabilities” Timothy said

The Director -General, Agency for People With Disabilities, Barr Ayodele Adekambi commended Mr Timothy Olufemi for organizing a befitting program to mark one year of their appointments by Governor Makinde.

He explained that the Government will soon roll out names of PWDs who will be Special Assistants and Supervisory councilors in the local government council areas of the state.

In their remarks,the Chairman Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue Mr Femi Awakan, Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on PWD’S Comrade Olanrewaju Oladosu, Special Assistant to the Oyo Governor on Interfaith, Reverend Femi Ibukunle enjoined the PWDs to have confidence in their ability to turn things around to their advantage.

Also the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Retired CP Sunday Odukoya charged PWDs to be security conscious in their respective areas and continue to be agents of positive change .

In a lecture titled Unlocking Economic Opportunities for people with Disabilities, Mr Gbenga Ogunbola said there’s a need for PWDs to discover their talents and make use of it for their economic advancement.

According to him,to build a Brighter Future for people with disabilities,it is imperative to remain focused on their vision and mission so as to help them succeed in their business to become employers of labour, rather than job seekers.

He charged the PWDs to leverage on technology through social media platforms to market their goods and services.

At the 50 of PWD beneficiaries of the programme were supported with financial assistance to boost their businesses.

Some participants also lauded the Governor and Mr Olufemi Timothy for the initiative adding that the programne have really oppuned their eyes for brighter future

The event had in attendance Paralympic Gold Medalist, Yakubu Adesokan (MON) Chairman JONAPWD, Blind Association, Physical, Albino, Intellectual,Men and other relevant Stakeholders.