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Independence Day: Makinde vows to launch Oyo into economic greatness

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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.

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Nigeria’s Oil Output Rises to 1.68m Barrels Per Day

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Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production rose to 1.68 million barrels per day in August 2026, representing a 0.4 per cent increase from the 1.67 million barrels per day recorded in July.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission disclosed this in its latest production report released on Sunday.

Excluding condensate, the country produced an average of 1,500,190 barrels of crude oil per day in August, allowing Nigeria to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries quota for the fourth consecutive month.

Daily combined crude oil and condensate production ranged between 1.64 million barrels and 1.71 million barrels during the month under review.

A breakdown of production by terminals showed that Bonny Terminal recorded the highest output at 320.04 thousand barrels per day, followed by Forcados Terminal with 317.40 thousand barrels per day.

Qua Iboe Terminal recorded an average production of 171.72 thousand barrels per day, while Escravos Oil Terminal posted 131.71 thousand barrels per day.

Bonga ranked fifth among the highest-producing terminals, with an average output of 92.50 thousand barrels per day.

The NUPRC attributed the modest improvement in August production largely to the resolution of operational challenges involving the Single Buoy Mooring at the Erha field.

The commission said the challenges had adversely affected production in the preceding month.

“The restoration of normal evacuation and production operations at the asset contributed positively to overall production volumes during the period under review,” the commission’s spokesperson, Eniola Akinkuotu, said in a statement on Sunday.

The regulator added that production activities across most other producing assets remained relatively stable during the month.

“Production activities across most other producing assets remained relatively stable, with operators sustaining implementation measures aimed at optimising production efficiency, maintaining asset integrity, and minimising operational disruptions,” the statement said.

The latest figures indicate a continued improvement in Nigeria’s oil production, with the country maintaining its OPEC quota compliance for the fourth consecutive month.

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Oyo South: Oseni Approves N100m for Ibadan Community Road Rehabilitation

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has approved N100 million for the immediate rehabilitation of a major access road linking seven communities in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, announced the intervention on Saturday at a town hall meeting with residents and community leaders from Power Line, Awonsoso, Siba, Olupoyi, Balogun, Baba Agba and Agaloke communities.

‎The lawmaker said the decision followed a request by the community stakeholders, who identified the poor condition of the road as their most pressing need. He assured the residents that the rehabilitation would be completed within four months.

‎Oseni said the intervention was part of his commitment to people-centred representation, stressing that his legislative activities had been focused on issues capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said, “Within the three years plus, I have sponsored bills and moved motions that are carefully designed to positively impact the lives and livelihoods of citizens.”

According to him, some of the legislative initiatives include moves to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ido Local Government Area, stronger sanctions for contractors who fail to execute government projects according to specifications, and measures to improve accountability in the management of public contracts.

Oseni added that he had also advocated subsidised farm machinery for farmers, measures to reduce the cost of cancer treatment, improved food storage through modern silos and processing facilities, as well as urgent action on flooding and recurring building collapses in major cities among several others.

‎The lawmaker said his engagements with communities across Oyo South should not be viewed solely through the prism of the 2027 elections, despite the commencement of political activities.

“My visit here today is not to solicit for votes, but to listen and find practical ways to attend to the requests and plights of my people,” he said.

‎Oseni also disclosed that he had facilitated the distribution of 31 transformers across Ido and Ibarapa, with about 80 per cent of the cost funded through his foundation. He added that  other interventions had included solar-powered street lights, boreholes, bridges, public toilets, educational support,  infrastructure, health care services,  youth and women empowerment, and assistance to artisans, traders and markets across the senatorial district.

The APC chieftain further noted that some youths had also received N1 million each as seed capital to start small businesses.

‎Oseni acknowledged that his primary responsibility as a federal lawmaker was to make laws and provide effective representation, but said the gap created by ineffective governance at the grassroots had made it necessary for him to support communities through interventions.

He urged youths to remain focused and resilient, recounting how he worked as a bus conductor to raise money for his secondary education before becoming an engineer, businessman and legislator.

Earlier,  Chief Muibi Adegoke, Baale of Awonsoso, and Chief Azeez Saka, Baale of Elere Apata, commended the lawmaker for what they described as his performance in legislation and community development. They pledged their support for his political aspiration ahead of the 2027 election.

‎The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, women and youth leaders from the affected communities.

(c) Mega Icon Magazine 

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Oyo APC Guber Candidate, Alli, Celebrates Archbishop Wale Oke at 70

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2027 Oyo State election, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has congratulated the Archbishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Francis Wale Oke, on his 70th birthday.

Alli, in a statement on Tuesday, described the cleric as one of the foremost spiritual leaders produced by Ibadan, saying his contributions to the spread of Christianity had brought honour to Oyo State and impacted lives beyond Nigeria.

The senator described Oke as a “kingdom general” whose leadership and commitment to the gospel had positively influenced communities and nations across the world.

He said, “On behalf of my family and the APC family in Oyo State, I warmly congratulate one of our state’s most illustrious figures, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, as he marks the landmark age of 70 years today.

“I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a generational leader, a reformer and a dependable voice for peace and national development. Your dedication over the last five decades to destiny moulding, spiritual upliftment and the expansion of the Christian faith is unparalleled.”

Alli also commended the archbishop’s leadership qualities and his achievements in various capacities, particularly as the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

The APC candidate noted that Oke’s influence extended beyond the pulpit, describing his years of service as a testament to his commitment to spiritual development and nation-building.

He prayed for continued grace, good health and many more years of fruitful service for the celebrant.

“As you continue to expand the Kingdom and impact destinies, I pray for renewed grace, robust health and many more fruitful years. Ibadan and Oyo State are immensely proud to have you,” Alli added.

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