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Oyo govt. to unveil anti- corruption agency next week

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The  Seyi Makinde led Oyo state government on Friday hinted  that it has concluded all arrangements to inaugurate it’s long- awaited   Anti-Corruption Agency.

Governor Makinde, who disclosed this while playing host to the 56th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and other executive members of the body at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, informed that the anti-graft body will be unveiled next week.

He also maintained that probity, accountability and transparency will continue to remain the hallmark of his administration.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as telling the ICAN team, led by its 56th President, Dame Onome Joy Adewuyi, that the state will continue to collaborate with ICAN to ensure accountability and transparency in the state’s financial dealings.

The statement further indicated that Governor Makinde told his visitors that the state would launch the anti-corruption agency to ensure accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

He said: “Of course, accountability is something that is sacrosanct in this present administration. To demonstrate the transparency within this administration, you said I am the first person to get the report. Well, you will also be the first one to learn something about the Oyo Anti-Corruption Agency.

“The name of the agency will be launched openly within the next week. I asked for three people to be nominated but I did not give an inkling why I asked for those nominations. But then, they gave me two names. One of them will be a member of the Oyo State anti-corruption agency.

“One of your members will definitely be serving us within that agency. That is how we believe the government should be run. It should not be a government of cronies. The name of the body is OYACA. We will definitely continue to leverage on the relationship with ICAN at the state level and also nationally.”

The governor maintained that Oyo State has been collaborating with ICAN for years, saying that the government needs to be transparent in order to be able to engender good governance.

He promised that the present administration in the state will continue to leverage the relationship with ICAN towards entrenching fiscal discipline and transparency in the management of public funds.

He said: “We have been collaborating with ICAN and it is a professional body that we are proud of. When the past president was talking about the accountability index, we were not surprised about the position of Oyo State in 2017, 2018, and before we came in, but government is a continuum. And what we have done is to, basically, look at what we met and we have tried to chart a path for the state.”

The governor said that his administration would continue to support the civil servants by affording them regular training both internally and externally.

“Concerning the issues raised regarding employment, cadres and levels, the Head of Service is here and I am sure she has listened to you. We are not quick to shy away from taking on issues head-on. She will look at it, look at the rules of engagement in Oyo State. And where we can amend the laws; we will definitely do it.

“I will also like to let you know that we have always sponsored chartered accountants to external programmes and we will continue to do that,” the governor said.

While speaking earlier, the ICAN President said the visit was to appreciate Governor Makinde for the support that the Ibadan District Society of ICAN has been enjoying since he assumed office as governor.

She commended the governor for recording different feats in infrastructure development and setting a new pace by putting up an Infectious Disease Research and Treatment Centres when other states were erecting temporary isolation centres during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said: “The state under your able leadership has witnessed visible infrastructural development. ICAN is particularly encouraged with the renewed focus in Oyo State and to provide an enabling environment for learning and capacity building which is one of our core interests as a professional body.

“Your Excellency’s administration has also given the welfare of Oyo State citizens and residents, including civil servants, a top priority. There is no gainsaying the fact that your agenda is people-focused with a robust citizen’s complaints platform and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.

“Your 18 months as the Governor of Oyo State has, no doubt, convinced the citizens and everyone watching social and the economic development of the state that you were fully prepared to face the challenges of leadership.

“Your Excellency, we are greatly delighted with the opportunity of this visit to the Pacesetter State and to pay you this courtesy call as part of my working visit to Ibadan and the District Society of the Institute of Chartered Account of Nigeria.

“I wish to specially express our deep appreciation to Your Excellency for the support that the Ibadan District Society of our institute has enjoyed from your administration and, most recently, the huge donation towards the building of the District Secretariat. We are grateful. We appreciate it. We thank you and that is one of the key reasons why we have come to pay you this courtesy visit.”

She appreciated the governor for employing chartered accountants in the service of the state and also appointing them into political offices, stating that the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo, FCA and the Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Garfa Bello, FCA, among others, are respected products of ICAN.

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Rep Oseni Rallies Support for Ikogosi Development Projects, Calls for Resilience, Unity

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The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.

 

Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.

He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.

“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”

 

“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”

Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.

“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.

 

In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.

He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.

 

“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.

“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.

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Bad Roads: ‘Focus on Message, Not Messenger’ – Nigerians Tell Works Minister, Umahi

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The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”

At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.

“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”

Hon. (Engr.) Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state

 

In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.

He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.

“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”

Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability

Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.

Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.

“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”

Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.

Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs

Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.

Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.

Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.

Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.

“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.

Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions

Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.

Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.

“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.

Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.

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Oseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project

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The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.

Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.

According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.

In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.

He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.

“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.

He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”

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