OYO 2027: FATOLA TO UNVEIL LEGISLATIVE ROADMAP, MOBILISES PDP STAKEHOLDERS FOR SEPTEMBER 6 OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Samson Opeyemi Fatola, is set to unveil his legislative roadmap and officially launch his campaign on Sunday, September 6, in Ibadan.

The much-anticipated event, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. prompt at the PDP Secretariat, Molete, is expected to attract PDP chieftains, party leaders, members from Ibadan North West and South West, ward coordinators, political stakeholders, friends, families and prominent personalities from across the constituency.

Fatola, a U.S.-based business leader, philanthropist and grassroots politician, is expected to use the occasion to present his vision for effective representation, grassroots development and stronger legislative engagement for the people of Ibadan North West and South West.

The campaign, anchored on the slogan “Te S’Oju E!”, is built around four key commitments: Listen, Partner, Represent and Deliver. Organisers said the roadmap is designed to provide practical solutions to the challenges confronting constituents while strengthening the relationship between the people and their representative.

The unveiling is also expected to provide an opportunity for constituents and PDP stakeholders to hear directly from Fatola on his priorities and legislative agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of his passion for grassroots development and youth mobilisation, Hon. Opeyemi Fatola will earlier on Sunday morning equip his football club, Te S’oju E Football Club, with sporting materials including jerseys, footballs and other equipment, in a move aimed at strengthening the team and supporting the development of young football talents in the community.

The campaign team has therefore called on PDP chieftains, members and supporters across Ibadan North West and South West, community stakeholders, friends, families and residents of the constituency to attend the event and witness the formal unveiling of Fatola’s political roadmap.

With the countdown now underway, all eyes are on September 6, as Fatola prepares to formally roll out his message to the constituency.

“Te S’Oju E! — The time to listen, partner, represent and deliver is now.”

2026 Public Service Week: Football Competition to Kick Off September 21

The Sub-Committee on Sports for the 2026 Oyo State Public Service Week has announced that the football competition for the year will officially kick off on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The Sports committee, in a statement issued in Ibadan, said preparations for the sporting activities had gathered momentum, assuring that this year’s competitions were designed to be more engaging, exciting and rewarding for participants.

The statement said, "emphasis would be placed on overall team performance and individual excellence, with deserving teams and outstanding athletes expected to receive due recognition and rewards for their achievements and skills across the various sporting events.

The Sub-Committee on Sports therefore encouraged all sectors of the Oyo State Public Service to participate actively in the sporting activities by expressing their interest in the events in line with the guidelines earlier circulated.

The statement hinted further that the deadline for the submission of entries for the various sporting activities is Friday, September 11, 2026.

The committee further reiterated that the football competition would officially commence on Monday, September 21, 2026, urging all participating teams to make adequate preparations for the tournament.

It also enjoined all civil and public servants to support, cheer and celebrate their respective teams throughout the competitions, noting that such support would promote team spirit, healthy competition, camaraderie and excellence within the Oyo State Public Service.

The 2026 Public Service Week sporting activities are expected to provide an avenue for civil and public servants to foster unity, strengthen interpersonal relationships and promote physical fitness while showcasing sporting talents across the State Public Service.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

September 4, 2026

Ogbomoso Farm Settlement: Oyo Govt Says New Town Plan Will Boost Agriculture, Not Sell Land

The Oyo State Government has clarified that the proposed development of portions of the Ogbomoso Farm Settlement is part of a long-term strategic plan to integrate agriculture, housing and economic development, stressing that the initiative is not an attempt to sell the farm settlement.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, expressed the position while explaining the rationale behind the recent notice issued by the Ministry concerning portions of land within the Ogbomoso Farm Settlement.

Barr. Olaleye said the development should be understood within the broader context of the State Government’s long-term development plan under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, which prioritises agricultural transformation, food security, employment generation and sustainable economic development.

According to him, the proposed New Town is designed to complement agricultural productivity, with a major component of the long-term plan being a land-intensive Farm Housing Scheme that will integrate modern agriculture, residential communities and agro-allied industries within a properly planned environment.

He explained that the initiative is expected to increase agricultural production, create employment opportunities, strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment and contribute to the State’s food security objectives.

The Commissioner noted that the development is also necessary given the changing realities of the farm settlement, which has, over the years, become surrounded by expanding residential developments within Ogbomoso metropolis.

He further explained that some existing occupants have remained on portions of the land for several years without the required payments or formal documentation, while some original allottees are deceased.

According to him, the intervention therefore provides an opportunity for the Government to properly reorganise, regulate and optimise the use of the land in the public interest.

He stressed that the Government’s commitment to agriculture remains unwavering, noting that the administration has continued to implement various interventions aimed at strengthening the sector.

These include subsidised tractorisation and agricultural mechanisation; provision of improved seedlings, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs; training of farmers and extension officers in climate-smart agriculture; strengthening of agricultural extension services; promotion of agribusiness, processing and agricultural value chains; improved rural access and agricultural infrastructure through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP); as well as support for farmers, agripreneurs and private-sector investment.

He maintained that these interventions demonstrate that the present administration is not working against agriculture but is repositioning the sector as a major driver of food security, employment and economic growth.

The Commissioner therefore urged the general public, stakeholders and residents of Ogbomoso to disregard misinformation and political interpretations suggesting that the Government intends to sell the farm settlement.

He emphasised that the objective is to ensure that the land is put to productive and sustainable use while keeping agriculture at the core of the development.

Barr. Olaleye added that the proposed New Town represents an opportunity to integrate agriculture, housing, agro-allied industries and economic opportunities within a properly planned environment that will benefit Ogbomoso and Oyo State at large.

He appealed to all stakeholders to support development initiatives that will promote agricultural productivity, food security, employment, investment and sustainable economic growth.

Oyo Head Of Service Inaugurates 2026 Public Service Week Committee, Charges Members on Transparency

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, has charged members of the 2026 Public Service Merit Award Committee to be transparent, fair and guided by the rules and regulations in the selection of deserving awardees.

Dr. Fasina gave the charge while inaugurating the committee for the 2026 Public Service Week at the Head of Service’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She urged members of the committee to ensure that all Civil and Public Servants are carried along, while sensitising and mobilising them to participate actively in the activities lined up for the annual celebration.

She said "the participation of workers across the State would make the 2026 Public Service Week colourful and memorable" .

The Head of Service commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the 2026 Public Service Week, noting that, the initiative would serve as a morale booster for Civil and Public Servants across the State.

Dr. Fasina said the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde remained passionate about the welfare and well-being of workers, as he is  providing opportunities for workers to relax, interact and celebrate their achievements.

Dr. Fasina said: “I want you to carry everybody along, be transparent in the selection process for the award and also do everything with the fear of God, mobilise Civil and Public Servants for the programmes and carry everybody along, irrespective of where they come from. Let us be open and fair with everybody while celebrating our week.”

Highlights of the 2026 Public Service Week include football competition, indoor games, public service lectures,  award ceremony, gala night and other activities.

The Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Tunde Aremu, assured the Head of Service that the committee would be fair and transparent in discharging their duties.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

September 4, 2026

OYO ENVIRONMENTAL VANGUARDS APPREHEND 55 OFFENDERS

The Oyo State Government has reiterated that it will not overlook environmental infractions, as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Environmental Vanguards, apprehended and secured the conviction of 55 environmental offenders in Ibadan land in August 2026.

The offenders were apprehended for various violations of the State’s environmental laws and were subsequently prosecuted and convicted in accordance with the provisions of the law.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated that the development was part of the Ministry’s intensified monitoring and enforcement efforts towards ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustaining a clean, healthy and habitable environment across the State.

Hon. Aderinto reaffirmed  the commitment of the  State Government to strengthening environmental enforcement, warning residents, business owners and other stakeholders against activities capable of degrading the environment, stressing that environmental laws must be obeyed by all.

The Commissioner further  urged members of the public to support the Government’s efforts by complying with environmental regulations, adopting proper waste disposal practices and promptly reporting environmental infractions to the appropriate authorities.

He stressed that open dumping and the dumping of refuse on road medians are strictly prohibited in Oyo State, adding that all forms of refuse disposal must be carried out through accredited waste contractors directly from the source, in line with the State Government’s approved waste management system.

OYRLEA CRACKS DOWN ON STREET TRADING AT GATE, BODIJA, OJOO MARKETS

 

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, in collaboration with security operatives, has intensified enforcement against street trading and the illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija, and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.

The operation, which was carried out during the official closing hours of yesterday  became necessary towards ensuring compliance with the laws regulating trading activities,  the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces in the state.

The enforcement followed observations that many traders still display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and road setbacks, despite the provision of adequate market facilities by the Oyo State Government.

The Authority expressed concern over the continued disregard for designated trading spaces, noting that government-provided markets were meant to enable legitimate business without encroaching on roads and public spaces.

During the exercise, the Authority impounded substantial quantities of goods,  both perishable and non-perishable, from locations where trading violated the law.

OYRLEA stressed that the exercise was not to  frustrate legitimate business owners , but  ensuring that  traders operate within legal boundaries while safeguarding the rights of motorists, pedestrians, and the general public.

Consequently, the Authority called on market men and women to desist from trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and setbacks, and to utilize the designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

OYRLEA further warned that enforcement would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until there is significant compliance with Oyo State laws.

The Authority urged traders and members of the public to cooperate with enforcement personnel, adding that maintaining orderly markets and accessible public spaces remains a collective responsibility.

OYSCOHEST CLEARS THE AIR ON ABORTED STUDENTS’ PROTEST OVER ALLEGED FEE HIKE AND INFESTATION OF BEDBUGS

 

The Management of the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has cleared the air on a protest made by a group of students within the College premises in the early hours of Tuesday, 1st September, 2026.

The protest, which occurred at about midnight, was reportedly led by a small group of female students without  the knowledge of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), which has consistently been carried along by Management in matters affecting students’ welfare and academic activities.

The Management wishes to state categorically that there has been no increase in the approved tuition fees of the returning students of the College. However, there has been a modest adjustment of some ancillary/other charges in response to prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of providing essential services and maintaining the College facilities.

The College, which is over 93 years old, remains committed to providing affordable health education and continues to maintain fees that are comparatively modest among other health training institutions in the country.

*CLARIFICATION ON WATER AND ELECTRICITY*

Management is also aware of allegations concerning the availability of water and electricity in the College. Available records indicate that these essential services were available on the evening of the incident until about 6:00 p.m., when Management and most staff left the premises.

The Management is, however, committed to ensuring that students enjoy a conducive learning and living environment and will continue to address genuine challenges affecting their welfare.

*HOSTEL HYGIENE AND BEDBUG ALLEGATIONS*

With regard to allegations of bedbug infestation in the hostels, Management wishes to clarify that the College routinely fumigates its hostel facilities on a quarterly basis through the Environmental Health Department.

Furthermore, in January 2026, the College procured and distributed a completely new set of mattresses to replace the students’ existing mattresses.

Nevertheless, following the recent complaints, Management has directed that the hostels undergo additional comprehensive fumigation and other necessary maintenance interventions.

Students have therefore been directed to vacate the hostels temporarily to enable the exercise to be carried out effectively.

*ACTS OF VANDALISM AND THREATS*

Management is deeply concerned that what was presented as a protest against alleged welfare challenges reportedly escalated into acts of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour.

During the incident, some of the students reportedly appeared outside wearing only their underwear and  vandalised the Students’ Union  building and a College coaster bus.

The incident was promptly reported to the appropriate authorities and security agencies, and the situation was brought under control.

However , on Wednesday morning, 2nd September, 2026, threat messages were also found pasted on some buildings within the College premises, while anonymous threat messages directed at the Management were circulated on social media.

These developments are being treated seriously. Investigations are ongoing, and the Management is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and identify anyone found to have participated in criminal or unlawful activities.

The Management will not allow any individual or group to exploit legitimate channels for expressing grievances as a cover for vandalism, intimidation, threats or any other act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the College.

*STUDENTS’ UNION GOVERNMENT REMAINS A KEY STAKEHOLDER*

Management reiterates that the Students’ Union Government remains an important stakeholder in the administration of the College and is regularly carried along on matters affecting students.

The College has established channels through which students can present their concerns, grievances and suggestions. Students are therefore encouraged to make use of these legitimate channels rather than resorting to actions capable of undermining the peace and reputation of the institution.

*MANAGEMENT ACTING TO RESTORE NORMALCY*

As part of measures to address the immediate situation, the Management has ordered the temporary closure of the College hostel for necessary repairs and further fumigation of the hostel facilities.

Accordingly:

Fresh students are expected to resume on Monday, 14th September, 2026.

Returning students are expected to resume for the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, 21st September, 2026.

Management urges parents and guardians to take note of these dates and counsel their wards on the importance of discipline, responsible conduct and respect for constituted authority.

The College remains committed to the welfare of its students and to providing a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and professional training.

*GOVERNING COUNCIL REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR MANAGEMENT*

The Chairman of the College Governing Council, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan (Akoro), has expressed the Council’s strong support for the Management under the leadership of the Provost, Mrs. Oluyemisi  Oyewo.

The Council Chairman has also cautioned staff members against any conduct capable of instigating students or contributing to crisis within the College.

He stated that any staff member found to be supporting or encouraging students to engage in unlawful activities would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the established rules and regulations, irrespective of the person’s position.

He further charged the Management to strengthen discipline and ensure that established institutional protocols are followed in addressing grievances and resolving disputes.

*CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY AND CALM*

The Management calls on students, parents, guardians, staff and other stakeholders to remain calm and responsible as the appropriate authorities continue their investigations.

Members of the public and the print, broadcast and online media are urged to disregard unverified reports, fabricated stories and insinuations designed to portray the College in a negative light or create unnecessary tension.

OYSCOHEST remains focused on its core mandate of producing competent health professionals and will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote academic excellence, discipline, peace and sustainable institutional development.

Signed:

Mr. Sola Samuel Ojewole

Public Relations Officer

3rd September, 2026