NIMC, NUJ Forge Stronger Alliance to Promote National Identity Awareness

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote nationwide awareness of the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise through responsible journalism and accurate information dissemination.

The Management Champion of the NIMC office in Ibadan Mr Oluwafemi Aniye made the appeal while leading the Management team of the commission on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, at the Press Centre, Iyaganku in Ibadan.

 Mr. Aniye described NIMC as a strategic Federal Government agency established to create and manage a comprehensive national identity database for all Nigerians and legal residents, ensuring that citizens can be properly identified anywhere in the world.

He explained that the commission was established under the NIMC Act of 2007, adding that the law was recently reviewed through the NIMC Act 2026 to further strengthen the country's identity management framework.

According to him, the 2026 Act has positioned NIMC as the nation's Root Certification Authority, a development aimed at enhancing digital identity management, authentication and secure verification of citizens' identities.

The NIMC Management Champion, stressed the importance of public enlightenment in achieving the commission's mandate, noting that the media remains a critical partner in educating Nigerians on the benefits of obtaining the National Identity Number (NIN).

He disclosed that, based on population figures available through collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC), Oyo State has an estimated population of about nine million people, while over five million residents have so far been enrolled into the NIMC database.

The NIMC representative therefore appealed to the NUJ to support the commission's advocacy campaign by ensuring accurate, factual and sustained dissemination of information capable of encouraging more residents to register for the National Identity Number.

Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem the NIMC delegation and expressed appreciation for the commission's decision to partner with the union in advancing public awareness.

Mr. Abas reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo NUJ to professionalism, ethical journalism and compliance with legal standards in the discharge of its responsibilities.

He assured the commission of the union's readiness to collaborate in promoting initiatives that would enhance national development, improve citizens' access to identity services and strengthen public confidence in government programmes.

"We are committed to working with NIMC in ensuring that the public receives accurate information that will encourage wider participation in the national identity registration exercise for the benefit of Nigeria," he said.

Oyo NUJ Inaugurates Central Planning Committee for Diamond Jubilee Celebration

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has inaugurated its Central Planning Committee to coordinate activities for the council's forthcoming 60th anniversary celebration, with veteran journalist and tourism administrator, Wale Ojo-Lanre, appointed as chairman of the committee.

The committee is expected to coordinate activities leading to the Diamond Jubilee celebration, with the aim of preserving the history and legacy of the Oyo State Council while charting a new course for the future of journalism in the state.

Other members of the Central Planning Committee include Mrs. Bummi Olalere, Mr. Kemi Olaitan, immediate past Secretary,  Mr. Olusola Oladapo, Mrs. Phebean Ojo and Mrs. Bukola Owolabi.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Ibadan, the Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, described the Oyo Council as the oldest NUJ council in Nigeria and a pace-setting council that must continue to sustain its leadership role in the journalism profession.

He commended past leaders and former executive members of the council for their immense contributions to its growth and development, noting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for the council's enviable status.

According to Abas, the essence of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is not merely to commemorate 60 years of the union's existence but to create a lasting historical legacy in the annals of the NUJ.

He noted that following consultations with former chairmen and other leaders of the council, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, was unanimously nominated to head the Central Planning Committee in recognition of his wealth of experience and commitment to the profession.

The Oyo NUJ chairman also revealed that the National President of the union and other critical stakeholders in the media industry had pledged to participate in the anniversary activities.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Oyo NUJ @60 Anniversary Committee,  Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre thanked the council for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as "a call from home."

He said the Oyo NUJ played a significant role in shaping his career in journalism, public service, culture and tourism, stressing that returning to serve the council at such a historic moment was both a honour and a privilege.

He noted that the Diamond Jubilee should go beyond celebrations and entertainment to include documentation of the council's history, recognition of veterans, professional reflection and the execution of a legacy project that would benefit future generations.

"The Oyo State Council has produced distinguished reporters, editors, broadcasters, media administrators, scholars, unionists and defenders of truth who have made remarkable contributions to journalism in Nigeria," he said.

Ojo-Lanre urged members of the committee to work with dedication, transparency and unity to deliver a memorable anniversary that would honour the pioneers, celebrate serving and retired journalists, inspire younger practitioners and attract the support of government, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.

He outlined seven pillars that would guide the committee's assignment: history, honour, professionalism, welfare, publicity, partnership and legacy, adding that the committee would work closely with past leaders and veterans to preserve the rich history of the council.

In his remark, former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Gbemiga Bamidele, commended the Oyo State Council for its steady growth and achievements over the years.

He described the inauguration of the Central Planning Committee as a significant step towards a successful Diamond Jubilee celebration and urged members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Bamidele also appealed to members of the union, former leaders and other stakeholders to give the committee maximum support to ensure that the Oyo NUJ @60 celebration becomes a memorable and historic milestone.

Makinde Fulfils Promise, Pays Hazard Allowance to Oyo Amotekun Personnel

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has fulfilled his promise to personnel of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, with the payment of their hazard allowance, reaffirming his administration's commitment to improving the welfare and motivation of security operatives safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps, Colonel Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

 He said Governor Seyi Makinde's approval of the payment demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the welfare of frontline security personnel and further reinforces his reputation as a leader who fulfils his promises.

He described His Excellency's fulfilment of the promise to pay hazard allowances to Amotekun personnel as a significant morale booster for officers serving across Oyo State, noting that the gesture reflects the Governor's unwavering commitment to the welfare and motivation of the Corps.

According to the Commandant, His Excellency Governor Makinde had made the commitment in October 2024 during the passing-out parade of 520 Amotekun Forest Rangers at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Iseyin, where he assured the newly recruited rangers that their welfare, including the payment of hazard allowance, would remain a priority. 

He noted that the governor has now fulfilled that promise by approving the payment of the arrears of the hazard allowance, a development that has been warmly received by the personnel of the Corps.

Olayanju said the payment goes beyond settling a financial obligation, stressing that it represents recognition of the sacrifices made daily by Amotekun operatives who risk their lives to safeguard communities across the State.

 "The payment has significantly boosted the morale of our personnel and strengthened their determination to remain committed to the protection of lives and property. It is a clear demonstration that the government appreciates their sacrifices and is prepared to support them always," he said.

The Commandant observed that personnel welfare remains a critical factor in effective security management, noting that motivated officers are better positioned to deliver efficient and professional services. He also praised Governor Makinde's sustained investment in strengthening the state's security architecture through the provision of operational logistics, surveillance equipment, intelligence support, training programmes and improved welfare packages.

Olayanju recalled that since the establishment of the Agency in 2020, the Oyo Amotekun Corps has worked closely with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, illegal mining and other criminal activities across the 33 local government areas of the State. He further noted that the creation of the Amotekun Forest Rangers has expanded the operational capacity of the Corps by enhancing security surveillance within forests and the State border areas.

According to him, the Rangers have continued to play a vital role in securing farming communities, protecting agricultural investments and improving safety along major routes across the state. The Commandant expressed confidence that the improved welfare package would further inspire personnel to discharge their responsibilities with greater dedication, professionalism and patriotism. 

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Corps to sustaining collaboration with other security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property across Oyo State.

Olayanju also appreciated Governor Makinde for consistently prioritizing the welfare of security personnel despite prevailing economic challenges, saying the gesture reflects responsive leadership and responsible governance. 

He added that the fulfilment of the hazard allowance has further strengthened the confidence of officers in the administration and reaffirmed the governor's commitment to building a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Oyo State.

 

Lagos Christian Leaders Launch Grassroots Campaign for Tinubu, Hamzat, APC Candidates

Christian leaders in Lagos State have begun a statewide mobilisation and voter sensitisation campaign in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The mobilisation meeting, held at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Headquarters in Lagos, brought together Christian leaders from across the state to strategise on grassroots engagement and electoral participation.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Christian Affairs of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Dr Sam Ogedengbe, said the initiative was aimed at coordinating support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the election of Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and other APC candidates.

According to him, representatives were drawn from all 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State to spearhead mobilisation efforts in their respective communities.

Dr Ogedengbe explained that the coordinators had been mandated to return to their churches and communities to encourage eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.

He also urged members to sensitise their congregations on what he described as the achievements of President Tinubu's administration and the reasons they should support his bid for a second term.

As part of the meeting, local government coordinators were officially inaugurated to lead the campaign for President Tinubu, Dr Hamzat, and other APC candidates across the state.

The organisers expressed confidence that the grassroots mobilisation would boost support for the APC and promote increased voter participation throughout Lagos State ahead of the elections.

Oyo Govt Distributes Free Braille Textbooks to Visually Impaired Pupils, Reinforces Commitment to Inclusive Education

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education with the distribution of free Braille textbooks to visually impaired pupils in special basic schools across the state, ensuring that every child, regardless of physical disability, has equal access to quality education.

The Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekambi, stated this recently during the distribution of Braille textbooks to 10 special basic schools for visually impaired pupils. The event was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Adekambi explained that the initiative began in 2022 following discussions with the Directorate of Special Needs and Inclusion on the need to make Braille learning materials readily available for visually impaired learners. 

He noted that while Braille textbooks were first distributed to secondary school students with visual impairments in 2024, the idea of producing Braille textbooks specifically for basic school pupils was conceived in 2025 and has now become a reality.

According to him, Oyo State remains the only state in Nigeria to invest in the production and free distribution of Braille textbooks for visually impaired learners, describing the initiative as a landmark achievement in the country's education sector.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, described textbooks as indispensable tools for effective teaching and learning. She stressed that visual impairment should never limit a child's ability to achieve academic excellence, noting that Braille textbooks would significantly enhance learning outcomes for the beneficiaries.

She commended Governor Seyi Makinde's administration and the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities for making the project a reality, adding that considerable resources and effort were invested in producing the books. She therefore urged the benefiting schools to make judicious use of the materials and ensure their proper preservation.

Also speaking, the Acting Director of Special Needs and Inclusion, Mr. Aderemi Suara, said that since the creation of Oyo State, no previous administration had produced Braille textbooks for visually impaired learners. He recalled that on June 27, 2024, the state government distributed Braille textbooks, teaching aids and instructional materials to secondary schools with visually impaired students, while the current exercise extends the intervention to the basic education level.

The Braille textbooks were distributed to 10 special basic schools, namely: Oyo Special Basic School, Durbar, Oyo; Omoyeni Special Basic School, Orita-Aperin, Ibadan; H.L.A Special Basic School, Agodi-Gate, Ibadan;

C.A.C. Special Basic School, Oniyanrin, Ibadan; Special Basic School, Bioku-Alaadun, Ibadan; Oyo State Special Basic School, Ogbomoso; L.A. Special Basic School, Okeho; Special Basic School, Saki; Special Basic School, Iseyin; and Special Basic School, Eruwa.

The textbooks cover key subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science and Technology, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Religious Studies, Pre-Vocational Studies, National Values, Yoruba Language, and Literature storybooks.

The event reached its climax with an impressive reading from one of the Braille literature storybooks by Miss Tobiloba Funmilayo, a Basic Five pupil of Omoyeni Special Basic School, Orita-Aperin, Ibadan, demonstrating the impact of accessible learning materials on the education of visually impaired children.

Makinde Fulfills Promise, Hands Over House Key, Wheelchair to Oluwadaisi Chesire in Moniya

I Never Thought I Would Become a Landlord, Let Alone Own a Big House Like This”, Says Recipient

There was excitement in Moniya on Monday as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, fulfilled his promise by handing over the key to a new house and a wheelchair to Mr. Babatunde Oluwadaisi Isiah Chesire, a person with disability.

The symbolic presentation was done at the new house located behind King’s College, Moniya by the Director General of Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, OYPWD, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, alongside the Executive Assistant on Disability Matters, Hon. Olufemi Timothy, who signed as witness.

Governor Makinde had in January publicly promised to provide shelter for Mr Ikudaisi Shesire after he solicited for help during the “Oyo at 50” programme for persons with disabilities at Omololu park, Airport Junction.

Oluwadaisi Chesire, who has been on a wheelchair for several years, said he was chased out of his former residence in Moniya with his wife and children.

While commending the gesture, Barr. Adekanmbi, who supported the family with cash, described the presentation as the fulfillment of a promise and the restoration of a life.

He said: “Today is not simply the presentation of a house and a wheelchair; it is the fulfilment of a promise and the proof that compassionate governance finds its highest expression in restoring dignity where life once knew limitation.

“Governor Seyi Makinde's noble gesture reminds us that the greatness of leadership is measured not by the height of its promises, but by the depth of its fulfilment. A house offers security, a wheelchair restores mobility, but together they proclaim that every life deserves hope, inclusion, and purpose.

“This enduring legacy of inclusive governance stands as a testament that in Oyo State, no citizen is invisible and no disability diminishes human worth.”

Barr. Adekanmbi however urged Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire to preserve the house as a legacy and warned against selling it. 

He added that the agency, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, would continue to support persons with disabilities in the state.

In his own brief remarks, Hon. Olufemi Timothy also described the gesture as a great opportunity and appreciated the governor for his consistent support.

“This is not the first time he has been doing this for us. Many people have benefited from this government through job opportunities, cars, lands, and empowerment”.

“The Governor has also made us relevant in his government. We are praying that he will become President of the country to further advance the benefits being enjoyed by persons with disabilities under his leadership,” he said. 

An emotional Oluwadaisi Chesire, in tears of joy, prayed for Governor Makinde, saying “I never thought I would become a landlord, let alone own a big house like this”.

Narrating his ordeal of being abandoned by his parents in Ogbomoso since childhood, Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire said Makinde remains the only Oyo governor who has shown genuine love to persons with disabilities.

OYRLEA Refutes False Claims in Agidigbo FM Broadcast, Reaffirms Due Process in Ido Cow Impoundment

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has described as false, misleading and unfounded allegations aired during a broadcast on Agidigbo FM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, alleging discrimination against Fulani herders, extortion, unlawful impoundment of livestock and abuse of power by its officers.

In a statement signed by the Chairperson of the Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), OYRLEA maintained that all its enforcement activities are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde and that due process was followed in the case referenced during the broadcast.

According to the Authority, the matter arose from an enforcement operation carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Atowoda Area of Ido Local Government Area, where 16 cows were impounded following complaints from farmers over the destruction of farmlands by herders engaged in open grazing.

OYRLEA explained that the operation was initiated after receiving several petitions from affected farmers in Ido and surrounding communities. Investigations conducted by the Authority confirmed cases of open grazing and extensive damage to crops, supported by what it described as irrefutable evidence.

The Authority noted that under Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, any person found guilty of violating the law is liable, upon conviction, to five years imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000.00(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for a first offence, while subsequent offences attract 10 years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2,000,000.00(Two Million Naira). The law also provides for adequate compensation to victims based on an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.

OYRLEA further disclosed that the legal representative of the herders opted for an out-of-court settlement. Following the assessment report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of ₦3,200,000.00(Three Million, two Hundred Thousand Naira) was paid as government fines, while ₦4,000,000 was paid as compensation to the affected farmer.

The Authority emphasized that all payments were made directly into designated government accounts by the legal representative of the herders, with official government receipts duly issued. It stressed that no officer of the Authority is authorized to receive cash payments or personal transfers under any circumstance.

While expressing concern over the broadcast, OYRLEA faulted Agidigbo FM for airing the allegations without first verifying the facts or seeking the Authority's response, describing the action as inconsistent with the ethics of responsible journalism.

"The broadcast of unverified allegations without first ascertaining the facts or seeking the Authority's response is inconsistent with the ethics of responsible journalism. Such reporting has the potential to mislead the public and undermine confidence in a government institution," the statement read.

Justice Aderemi reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to enforcing the law fairly, transparently and without fear or favour, adding that OYRLEA remains focused on promoting peace, protecting farmlands and ensuring environmental sustainability across Oyo State.

She urged members of the public to disregard the misinformation and obtain accurate information through official channels.

The Chairperson also appealed to Agidigbo FM and other media organizations to uphold the principles of fairness, balance and accuracy by seeking the Authority's position before airing reports capable of affecting public confidence and security.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, other security agencies and community stakeholders in sustaining law, order and peaceful coexistence across the state.