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Makinde flags off construction of ultra-modern local govt service commission secretariat
Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Friday, flagged off the construction of the office complex for the Local Government Service Commission and Local Government Pension Board, noting that those opposed to the project would be silenced when they see the outcome.
Governor Makinde, who maintained that the state government has commenced a gradual rehabilitation of the secretariat complex which, he said, had been left to degenerate over the years, added that the process would not abate until the entire structure was given the desired face-lift.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying these while unveiling the 3D design for the office complex.
The governor maintained that the idea of the office complex came from the Local Government Service Commission itself, while he also noted that in 11 months when the project would be completed, opposition members criticizing the government would be silenced.
He said: “It is my pleasure to be here today to flag off the office complex for the Local Government Service Commission and the Local Government Pension Board.
This was not my idea but that of the Permanent Secretary of Local Government Service Commission.
“We thought we should lay our own foundation and start a campaign of regenerating the secretariat. Oyo State had the opportunity of having the very first modern secretariat then and, several years later, it is still those structures that we keep seeing. They were not even renovating them, they were just painting the exterior, only.
“We did not do anything for the 100 days in office of this administration but, much later, we released 15million Naira to each ministry to renovate their offices. And I am glad, indeed, that the Secretariat is wearing a new look, not only from the outside but even from the inside. Renovation work is also going on at the Governor’s Office.
“In about 11 months, we will be coming back here to commission the edifice. So, I thank the chairmen and chairpersons of the local government areas and the local council development areas, because everybody came together to buy into the vision. And by that your singular action, we were able to raise a substantial amount that is needed for the construction of this structure.
“Where I was coming from, we played a little bit of politics but this is governance. When we initially came up with this idea, some people said we were taking money from the government’s purse. I think they will shut their mouths permanently in another 11 months.
“I congratulate the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Local Government Service Commission and Local Government Pension Board. It is your idea and baby and we will support you to see to its completion.”
In their separate speeches, the chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission/Local Government Staff Pension Board, Honourable Aderemi Ayodele, and the secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, described the flag off of the office complex as historic.
Abatan, who praised Governor Makinde for seeing to the payment of about N5 billion in gratuities to retired workers of Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals, said that Makinde’s administration was purposeful.
According to him, the administration has so far paid N1.98 billion to retirees of primary schools while local government retires have got about N3.2 billion.”
He further stated that in the last one year, the administration, apart from paying 100 per cent pensions to retirees, has been releasing N274 million monthly for the payment of gratuities of retired Primary School teachers and Local Government staff.
He noted that so far, the sum of N3.5 billion has been paid as gratuities to retirees by the administration, noting that the efforts of the Makinde government have culminated in the socio-economic development being witnessed in the state.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”
Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
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