News
One year in office: ‘We are meeting expectations of Oyo residents’, Makinde addresses Oyo Assembly
Oyo State governor, on Wednesday, addressed members of the State House of Assembly, declaring that his administration has been meeting the expectations of the people of the state.
The governor, who was speaking at the Assembly chambers on the occasion of the first anniversary of the 9th Assembly, declared that his administration was determined to deliver on the electioneering promises made to the people during the campaigns.
He also stated that the state has, so far, conducted over 3,500 COVID-19 tests, a development which he said placed Oyo State in the top four of highest testing states in the country.
He announced that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has approved a second diagnostic laboratory for COVID-19 testing in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Governor Makinde as stating these in his “State of the State Address” delivered before the members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
He added that the actions, policies and projects of the administration in the last one year, “have been geared towards ensuring that the impact of good governance reaches everyone in our state.”
The statement further indicated that the governor also explained how the administration has succeeded in growing the economy of the state despite the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has fared in the education, health, and security sectors.
Makinde added that as a result of the administration’s decision to respond to the pandemic based on science, data and logic, the administration has succeeded in ensuring that response to COVID-19 pandemic has not created “more problems than the pandemic itself.”
The governor stated that some of the approaches of the administration in curtailing the harsh reality of the pandemic included the decision to partially lock down the state and the deliberate decision to grow the economy by injecting funds into the economy through prompt payment of salaries.
He maintained that in order for the state to be able to take an informed decision on reopening worship centres, schools and other businesses affected by the partial lockdown, it is ramping up testing for the virus by embarking on Community-Based Testing in 10 locations within and outside the state capital.
“We have projected a July 15 date for the resumption of schools. But that date is dependent on the risk situation analysis presently being carried out by the experts.
“For this same reason, we have held off from reversing our directive on religious gatherings. We saw what happened when a private organisation did not follow the advisories we provided to the letter. Over 50 per cent of COVID-19 cases in Oyo State can be traced to this organisation. So, I take this opportunity to again plead with our religious leaders to be patient with us. We are keeping our eyes on the numbers and will adjust this directive at the right time,” he said.
According to Governor Makinde, the administration has been able to complete hundreds of education infrastructure projects as well as put in place policies that have contributed immensely to the improvement of the education sector.
He added that the administration has been investing in education because of its belief that “education continues to be one of the best ways to fight poverty and improve our economy.”
It will be recalled that Governor Makinde had, during his state broadcast on May 29, maintained that the administration has completed 239 education projects left behind by the last administration and 68 others started by the administration, while another 236 projects are ongoing.
The governor said: “When I took the oath of office, I pledged to serve and protect the people of Oyo State. In the past year, our actions, policies and projects have been geared towards ensuring that the impact of good governance reaches everyone in our state. From the entrepreneurs and managers of large corporate organisations to the market woman and the Micra driver on our roads.
“To be fair, the first year in office for every administration is always used to plan and set things in motion. But in most cases, when the people have voted massively for ideological change, they are in a hurry to see the resolution of issues that affect them. There is pressure to hit the ground running and set the ball rolling.
“I can report to you that these expectations are not lost on us, which is why, from the outset, we built our Roadmap for Accelerated Development in Oyo State, 2019-2023 around four pillars: Economy, Education, Healthcare and Security.”
In the area of healthcare delivery, Governor Makinde told the Assembly that the state has begun a new a new funding system for primary healthcare, noting that part of the 22.5 Billion Naira infrastructural loan approved by the Assembly will go into developing the healthcare sector.
“We have set the standard we want for our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), and anyone who has visited the renovated and equipped PHCs at Oranyan, Aafin in Oyo Town, or ALGON Comprehensive Health Centre at Eyin Grammar, Ibadan, will testify to the fact that the standard is high.
“If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic should have taught us, it is that we have to get our house in order. Little did we know that in our lifetime, there would be any sickness that will force everyone, no matter their social class to depend on our local healthcare facilities for any chance at survival. With the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo and more ongoing upgrades to healthcare facilities in Saki, Ogbomoso, Igbo Ora and Awe, we are in a better place, healthcare-wise, than we were a year ago.
“Ultimately, we plan to renovate or rehabilitate one PHC per ward in Oyo State. We know this is a daunting task, but it is one we are determined to accomplish,” he said.
The governor added that the state got the 7.6 Billion Naira loan borrowed by the previous administration but which the Assembly approved to be repurposed for the Akufo and Eruwa farm estates in March 2020, stating that the upgrade of the farm settlements will begin in July 2020.
On security, Governor Makinde said the Oyo State Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun will be fully operational within the next one month, even as he commended the Assembly for the moves to review the laws on rape and sexual assault, promising to ensure the enforcement of the laws, as he charged all the arms of government to continue to show zero tolerance for sexual violence.
In his welcome address, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin appreciated God for the journey so far, noting that the Assembly has brought about unprecedented legislative achievements and innovative lawmaking ideas.
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.
-
Politics4 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics1 week agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics4 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
News3 days agoNERC orders DisCos to refund ₦20.33bn meter costs to customers