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Independence Day: Makinde vows to launch Oyo into economic greatness
Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has promised that his administration will turn Oyo State into a land of great investments which its residents can be proud of, through economic opportunities and agricultural development.
Governor Makinde, also charged Nigerian citizens to always put the national first and work for its overall growth.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the Governor as making the remarks on the occasion of Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary, held inside the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The statement indicated that the State’s Deputy Governor, Engineer Remi Olaniyan, represented Governor Makinde at the event.
The Governor said: “Welfare programmes will continue to be our focus in order to create a good life for all the citizens of Oyo State as we pursue our four-point policy thrust of Security, Health, Education and Economic Expansion.”
He also charged Nigerians to always put the interests of the nation first in their dealings so as to diminish all negative tendencies that inhibit the country’s progress.
Governor Makinde also declared that the Nigerian citizenry must change its orientation, embrace patriotism by always putting the country first.
According to him, Nigerians must shun egocentric concepts that negate development.
The Governor declared that his administration will turn Oyo State into a land of great opportunities which investors would be proud to associate with, adding that the focus of his administration would be to provide economic opportunities and enhance agricultural development.
Governor Makinde further stated that his administration will continue to embark on projects and programmes that target the welfare of residents.
He explained that for the nation to develop, education must be prioritised, saying his administration has put in place policies and programmes to facilitate qualitative education.
He mentioned some of the measures already taken by him to include the cancellation of all fees payable in schools, distribution of textbooks and exercise books to students, organisation of extra classes for SS3 students, increment of the education budget to 10 per cent and plans to increase the budget to education to 12 per cent in the 2020 budget, among others.
The Governor added that the administration had also begun a turnaround of the health sector, while ensuring that its policy of keeping civil servants as partners in progress continues to run unhindered through prompt payment of salaries on or before 25th of every month and prioritization of their welfare and capacity building.
He said: “In order to achieve a greater level of educational development, we must invest in all-round development, self-reliance and self-actualisation by exposing them to trainings that will assist in become patriotic and responsible citizens within the society.
“A nation that desires development cannot afford to make education a luxury. Towards this end, we have not only cancelled the N3,000 education levy imposed by the past government, we have also mandated that 10 per cent of the State Budget allocation be allotted to education. It is our dream to increase it to 12 per cent by the subsequent fiscal year.”
On the health sector, the Governor stated that the State Hospital, Ring Road, has been equipped with modern equipment from its derelict state within the first 100 days of his administration, adding that his administration has also commissioned Oranyan Medical Centre to ensure people of the state have access to quality health care, even as he promised to use the Oranyan model for all the 33 local government councils.
He, therefore, sought for the cooperation of Oyo State residents, saying: “I use the occasion of this year’s celebration to seek the cooperation of all progressive-minded people; civil servants, artisans, religious leaders, stakeholders, political leaders and followers. We shall accommodate all interests to ensure that every part of the State has a sense of belonging indifference to political or religious inclinations.
“As Nigeria celebrates her 59th Independence Anniversary today, I congratulate us and pray that in our time, the dream of Eldorado will be achieved.”
The event, which was witnessed by top government functionaries, members of the House of Assembly, traditional rulers and others, featured cultural displays, presentation of awards to winners of the Primary and Post-Primary School Essay Writing and Debate Competition earlier organised by the State Government as well as match past by students, voluntary youth organisations and Trade.
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun; Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola and Commissioners were in attendance at the event.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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