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Tributes as OYSCATECH holds valedictory Board of Studies meeting for out-going Deputy Rector {Photos}

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It was a day of tribute as the Board of Studies holds a special valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Deputy Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, Dr. Oluwasanjo Ariyo Okunlola.

The special valedictory session , held last Friday at the Boardroom of the institution, was chaired by the Acting Rector, Mr. Isiaka Adekunle.  The event also had in attendance, the representative of the Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Amos Abegunde, the Acting Registrar, Mr. Paul Oyediran, the Chairman Committee of Deans, Dr. Wasiu Bello, Deans of Faculties, Directors and Heads of Departments among others.

Addressing the Board of Studies meeting, the acting Rector lauded the outgoing deputy rector for his commitment and dedication to duty since 2008 that he had joined the services of the Institution as one of  it’s foundation staffs.

Speaking further, he extolled the good virtues of Dr. Ariyo Okunlola, especially his doggedness in pursuing his doctorate degree and for becoming a PhD holder barely at the age of 60.

Adekunle, however charged other staff members to emulate the commitment and dedication of the outgoing deputy rector to duty.

Giving  her tributes, the immediate past Director of Global Consult, Dr. Taiwo Akinyemi, in an emotional laden voice described Dr. Okunlola as a God fearing, honest, worthy leader, mentor and close associate as well as practical oriented man.

According to Dr. Akinyemi, “we achieved greatly during the biennial conference through his wealth of experience. I will greatly miss him.”

Also speaking, the Chairman Committee of Deans, Dr. Wasiu Bello thanked the outgoing Deputy Rector for his contributions towards academic matters in the College. He described the outgoing deputy rector as someone who does things on merit and does not believe in manipulation.

Bello equally described him as a selfless and sacrificial man.

According to him, the Dean, Faculty of Management and Communication Studies, Mr. AKintunde posited that the outgoing Deputy Rector is irreplaceable considering the rate at which he mingles with the young lecturers, irrespective of their age.

Mr. Akintunde described Dr. Okunlola as a go-getter, tolerant, religious but non-fanatical.

The Acting Registrar referred to the outgoing Deputy Rector as a straight forward, dutiful and committed man who plays advisory roles at all times.

They all prayed God to continue to help him in his future endeavours, while wishing him a pleasant rest after hard labour.

Responding, the outgoing Deputy Rector, Dr. Okunlola who expressed surprise at the level of love demonstrated towards him by staff of the institution, thanked everyone for their affection and gifts.

The outgoing Deputy Rector appealed to both the teaching and non-teaching Staff to remain united, ready to work and mentor others.

Okunlola, who emphasized the need not to relent in writing award winning proposals and papers for publications, also enjoined staff to maintain high level of discipline.

Dr. Oluwasanjo Ariyo Okunlola had his WASC O’Level at Igboora High School in 1976 and G.C.E. A/L at the Polytechnic, Ibadan. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan for his Bachelor of Science (BSc.Hons.) in Forestry Resources Management in 1979 and graduated in 1983.

In 1987, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola returned to the University of Ibadan for his Master’s Degree and was awarded, Master of Science in Forestry Resources Management in 1988.

The dogged Ariyo Okunlola returned to his Alma Mater, the University of Ibadan for a PhD programme and in 2017, he bagged his PhD in Forestry Resources Management.

Ariyo Okunlola started his career with the Ogun State Forestry plantation Project in 1983 during his Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC). Upon the completion of his NYSC programme, he was privileged to work with the Ogun State Forestry Plantation Project as Research Monitoring and Record Officer between 1984 and 1987 under the World Bank Assisted programme.

He rose to become Plantation Officer between 1990 and 1991 under the ADB assisted programme.

Between 1994 and 2002, Dr. Okunlola was the Project Manager and Senior Consultant to different organizations.

In 2002, Ariyo Okunlola joined Leventis Foundation LTD/GTE in Lagos as a trainer in Agroforestry and Head of Deprtment, Crop and Agroforestry Leventis Foundation Agricultural School, Dogondawa, Kaduna State.

Dr. Okunlola joined the services of Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, now Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora as Lecturer 1 in 2008 and rose to the position of Chief Lecturer until his retirement in October 4, 2020.

As a forestry expert and a passionate teacher, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola has taught so many courses in the field of forestry and had served in various capacities at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora some of which include; Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Head of Department, Forestry Technology, Sub-dean, School of Plant Sciences and Director, Academic Planing unit.

Others include; Chairman, Committee on Land Matters, OYSCAI Ventures, Students’ Disciplinary Committee, Inter-Religious Committee among others.

Dr. Okunlola has published several articles and attended several conferences and seminars both locally and internationally.

Dr. Okunlola served as Vice Chairman, Forestry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Resource Inspector to National Board for Technical Education, Member, Optimal International Klobb, Igboora, Member, Men’s Missionary Union, Nigerian Baptist Convention and Life Member, Bible Society of Nigeria among others.

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Politics

APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign

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The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.

An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.

However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.

He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.

According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.

Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.

He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.

He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.

Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.

“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.

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Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim

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‎The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.

Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.

Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.

‎But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.

‎“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.

‎He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.

‎According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.

‎The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.

‎“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.

‎Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.

‎He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

‎Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.

The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.

He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.

Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”

While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.

According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”

He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.

Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.

Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.

Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”

He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”

The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.

 

 

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