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2023: Why I’m running for senate – Faozey

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Engr. Faozey Oladotun, Oyo central senatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in the last general elections, on Tuesday, ended speculations about his re-run bid, saying that he was back in the race to fulfill his vision for the development of the state by possessing legal authority to engage in the formulation of public policy, as well as to create a sustainable development platform for his constituents , particularly the youths; in order  to harness their full potentials .

Oladotun, noted that their energy has not been totally harnessed for productive use, assuring that the platform will renew the hope of the people.

He, specifically tasked the youths to tap into the opportunity of this generation by  taking advantage of the fourth industrial revolution driven by digital technology.

“To be realistic and fair to ourselves, this generation belongs to the youths . The  present occupant of Oyo Central senatorial district, Oloye Teslim Folarin,  became a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria at the age of 39 years.

“Even, in developed countries, most of the richest people are the youths, including Facebook C.E.O, Mark Zuckerberg, whose fortune made him the sixth richest in the world. He’s  just 37 years old. The ideology, I want to sell is about tapping the opportunity of this generation, that’s my vision, that’s what I want to bring on board because; we own this generation”, he said.

The APC chieftain, who disclosed this while addressing a  press conference in Ibadan , the Oyo state capital, also revealed  that he has learnt some lessons from the previous political process that would be crucial to making decisions about his future  aspirations.

According to him, “initially, I didn’t plan to embark on politics, even in those days, I usually tell people that I will never participate in politics. I came back to Oyo in 2018 for different purpose. There is a non- governmental organization in Italy, its role is to bring in innovative road construction products. I came in and we wrote FERMA, informing the agency about the concept, unfortunately, we were unable to get the approval to execute the project, even up til now; because they wanted something. So, because of this delay in approval process , one of my brothers in Oyo town, who is also a politician, later advised me to contest for the National Assembly seat so that I can be able to facilitate these developments for my people; with less stress. That was when my journey into politics started. We sat together and drafted some plans as to how to  go about it.

“Also, in  Nigeria, we have almost 2 billion minutes international calls  coming in monthly, and from that 2 billion calls, government is not making a cent. So, we introduced international sort out to the federal government which will pass through Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Telecommunications, but they didn’t see the light in it, because they wanted immediate gains,  the proposal did not fly. If, we calculate 2 billion minutes calls, even if the government only introduces N5 as tax, its a huge revenue which is billions of naira monthly into the covers of the government. But, up till now, that policy has not been implemented in Nigeria.

“So, the political process started due to gallant of approvals that we were unable to secure for these  projects. My people would have benefited from these projects , so, in terms of policy making, I want to get involved actively ”, he declared.

Speaking further , the successful ICT guru, also announced his readiness to establish the first Oyo Incubation and Innovation Tech hub in Oyo town. He explained that the hub will assist in research and development, adding that anyone with innovative idea would be mentored, empowered with start up fund among others.

The Oyo – born politician, also revealed that he is planning to launch the first electric vehicles with charging stations in his town.

He said, “We are trying to set up the first Oyo Incubation and Innovation Tech hub which is going to be situated  in Oyo town. The purpose of setting up this hub is that anything that relates to research and development would be coming out from there and anyone with an innovative idea can come down, we will give mentorship , start up fund and some other things that are related. For example, we  planned to launch the first electric vehicles and set up charging stations for at least 10 electric vehicles. I want to create platforms for people, particularly the youths to be self-reliance.

“Because, we have created the platform, a lot of investors will come in that in the whole of Oyo state, in Oyo town that’s where we have electric cars , it’s going to be reflected on google, thus placing the town on the map. That’s  what we are trying to do.

Oladotun, however, assured that Oyo town, as one of the hubs in Nigeria, would be used for the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meeting which  is billed for Poland before the end of this year, saying “it is even going to be the first in the Southwest , we don’t even have it in Lagos presently.

“We are using our Oyo Tech Hub to host Internet Governance Forum meeting which is a global thing. A lot of people will participate at a global level. This will surely attract huge development not only to the town, but the state in general”, he added.

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APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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