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Independence Day: Makinde vows to launch Oyo into economic greatness
Published
7 years agoon
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Mega IconOyo 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.
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Iran War Disrupts Oil Supply, Global Loss Hits $50bn
Published
5 days agoon
April 18, 2026By
Mega IconThe global oil market has recorded losses exceeding $50bn following massive supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing Iran war, which has now stretched to nearly 50 days.
Data from energy analytics firm Kpler showed that more than 500 million barrels of crude oil and condensate have been wiped off the global market since the crisis began in late February, making it the largest energy supply disruption in modern history.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz had been reopened after a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
However, tensions escalated again on Saturday as Tehran warned it could shut the strategic waterway if the United States sustains its blockade of Iranian ports.
Also, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a deal to end the conflict could be reached “soon,” although he did not provide a definite timeline.
Analysts warned that the scale of disruption could have prolonged effects on global energy stability, with shocks expected to linger for months or even years.
Providing context, Principal Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, Iain Mowat, said the 500 million barrels lost is equivalent to grounding global aviation demand for 10 weeks, halting all road transport worldwide for 11 days, or shutting down the entire global oil supply for five days.
Further estimates showed that the lost volume is nearly equal to one month of oil demand in the United States or more than a month’s supply for Europe. It also represents about six years of fuel consumption by the U.S. military and could power global shipping activities for approximately four months.
The crisis has significantly affected oil-producing nations in the Gulf, with output losses reaching about eight million barrels per day in March—roughly equivalent to the combined production of two of the world’s largest oil companies.
Jet fuel exports from major producers, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, dropped sharply from 19.6 million barrels in February to just 4.1 million barrels recorded across March and April combined. Analysts said the shortfall could have powered about 20,000 round-trip international flights.
With crude prices averaging around $100 per barrel since the onset of the conflict, the lost volumes translate to an estimated $50bn in revenue. Experts noted that this figure is equivalent to about one per cent of Germany’s annual Gross Domestic Product, or roughly the size of the economies of smaller European countries.
Meanwhile, global onshore crude inventories have declined by about 45 million barrels in April alone, while total production outages have risen to approximately 12 million barrels per day since late March.
Industry experts cautioned that unless a lasting resolution is reached, the disruption could intensify volatility in global oil markets, worsen inflationary pressures, and further strain fragile economies worldwide.
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Oseni Secures Prestigious City People Political Award Nomination
Published
6 days agoon
April 16, 2026By
Mega IconA member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has been nominated for a Special Award in Politics at the 2026 City People Political Awards.
The nomination was conveyed in a letter dated April 13, 2026, signed by the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of City People Magazine, Seye Kehinde.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Oseni’s media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday.
According to the statement, the lawmaker earned the nomination in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to politics in Oyo State, particularly in Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency.”
The organisers noted that Oseni emerged as a nominee following a comprehensive review of performances across sectors by the award’s selection committee.
Part of the letter read, “Having performed creditably well in your sector last year, the Organising Committee presented you as a nominee in your sector.”
The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Etal Hall, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, at 4pm.
The City People Awards is an annual event that recognises individuals who have distinguished themselves in governance, public service and other sectors of national development.
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Kaduna Electric to prosecute, expose attackers of staff
Published
7 days agoon
April 16, 2026By
Mega IconThe Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has announced a crackdown on individuals who assault its staff, warning that offenders will face prosecution and public exposure.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the company expressed concern over what it described as a “disturbing surge” in attacks on its field workers and third-party partners.
It noted that the affected personnel were mainly engaged in meter installation, revenue collection and maintenance of electricity infrastructure.
According to the firm, the increasing cases of harassment, physical assault and unlawful detention of its workers pose a serious threat to employee safety and the stability of electricity service delivery across its franchise areas.
The Deputy Managing Director, Abubakar Mohammed, said the company would no longer tolerate any form of aggression against its workforce.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to anyone who engages in the assault of our staff. Kaduna Electric will pursue every case to its logical conclusion,” he said.
“We will work closely with security agencies to ensure offenders are brought to justice and face the full weight of the law,” Mohammed added.
He further disclosed that the company would publicly reveal the identities of individuals found culpable.
According to him, names, photographs and other details of offenders would be published on the company’s official platforms as well as in national and local media.
“This measure is intended to ensure accountability and serve as a strong deterrent. Anyone who chooses to attack our personnel should be prepared not only to face prosecution but also public exposure,” he added.
The company stressed that assaults on utility workers attract serious legal and financial consequences, noting that offenders risk criminal charges that may lead to fines or imprisonment.
It added that perpetrators could also face civil liabilities, including compensation for medical treatment, psychological trauma and loss of work hours.
While condemning the attacks, Kaduna Electric urged customers to adopt peaceful and lawful means of resolving disputes.
It advised aggrieved customers to channel complaints through its customer service units or appropriate regulatory bodies.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its workforce and partners, stressing that a safe working environment is essential for delivering reliable and efficient electricity services.
Although disputes between electricity providers and consumers are often linked to billing issues, metering challenges and service delivery concerns, the company maintained that such matters must be resolved through dialogue, insisting that violence against its staff will no longer be tolerated.
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