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Oyo: Makinde to buy N319 million pick-up vans to boost security

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The Seyi Makinde led Oyo state government on Wednesday approved the procurement of 20 units of JAC FRISON TX pick-up vans at the cost of N319 million.

The decision, according to the government was to further boost security in the state.

Governor Makinde , also, in line with the commitment his administration to remodel and equip at least one Primary Health Centre in each of the 351 Wards of the state,  approved the renovation of 299 Health Centres across the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the approval for the procurement of the vehicles and the remodelling of 299 PHCs were part of the resolutions reached at the Executive Council Meeting held on Wednesday.

The statement indicated that a press briefing was addressed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, his counterpart in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bashiru Bello, and the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral resources, Barr.Temilolu Ashamu.

Olatubosun, while speaking on the decisions taken, said that the approval for the procurement of the vehicles was in line with the government’s drive to secure the lives and properties of the people in the state.

He said that the 5th State Executive Council meeting of 2021 approved the procurement of the 20 units of JAC FRISON TX pick-up vans at a total cost of N319 million.

He said: “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, the state government has been proactive about it and it is necessary to boost the efforts of the administration in further arresting the situation by procuring additional vehicles for the security agencies and other exigency purposes.

“In view of this, the State’s Executive Council, at the 5th Exco meeting of 2021 held today, Wednesday, approved the procurement of 20 units of JAC FRISON TX pick-up vans to boost security in the state and the cost is N319,000,000.”

Similarly, his counterpart in the Health Ministry, Dr. Bashiru Bello, said the council approved the renovation and reconstruction of 299 primary health care facilities in the state at the cost of Six billion Naira N6,000,000,000, using the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA).

He equally added that the primary health care board will renovate the remaining 52 primary health care centres to make 351 wards as promised by the governor.

According to him, “we are here to inform you that today, the State Executive Council approved the Alternative Project Funding Approach, APFA,  for the renovation and reconstruction of some primary health facilities in Oyo State.

“A total number of 299 have been given to two different firms and this is on the ground that the project will commence and, within two months, over 20 per cent of the project would have been completed.

“His Excellency has approved that there will be one per ward, and since we have 351 wards, the primary health care board will take care of the remaining 52 primary health care centres to be renovated and remodelled.

“Mind you, the state is not putting in any money as of now. It is when the project continues that the payment will be spread over a period of 12 months.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Barr. Temilolu ‘Seun, in his contribution, said that the Council also granted approval for the connection of 28 Transformers across three Senatorial Districts of the state at the cost of N247,000,000.

He said: “It will be recalled that some years back, transformers were procured and distributed to local government areas across the state, many of which have actually not been connected or energized.

“Aware of the financial constraints that the state, the country and the world are facing at the moment, we decided that it was cost-effective to commence a campaign of connecting the transformers that are already within our society.

“Consequently, the Council approved that the campaign begins and should be phased, by connecting 28 transformers across each senatorial district in the state.

“It is a phased implementation plan, and this is just the first phase, which is being announced. The transformers that I mentioned are already within the society and they are procured with public funds but they are not of use for members of the society at the moment.

“We have taken a deliberate decision to energize those transformers so as to derive value for the monies that have been expended.

“The cost implication is about N247,000,000.”

 

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Politics

APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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Education

Ayede Poly trains staff on FG skills scheme, targets employable graduates

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The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has intensified efforts to align with the Federal Government’s skills-based education policy by training its academic and non-academic staff on the implementation of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ), Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ).

‎The capacity-building workshop, organised in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and JACL Consulting, was held at the institution’s Centre for Vocational, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, NDE Model Skills Centre, Onipaanu, Ogbomoso.

‎The training is part of the Polytechnic’s broader strategy to deepen competency-based education and ensure that its graduates leave school with practical and industry-relevant skills capable of improving their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.

The institution had earlier organised a similar exercise for students, a move that reinforces its commitment to preparing both staff and learners for the seamless implementation of the Federal Government’s national skills certification policy.

‎Declaring the workshop open, the Acting Rector, Dr. Morufat Adepoju, described the National Skills Qualifications Framework as a game-changing initiative that would bridge the long-standing gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.

‎According to her, the framework will produce graduates equipped with practical competencies required to meet the demands of a fast-changing economy while strengthening Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system.

‎Adepoju expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, and the Federal Government for their continued support for the institution. She also commended the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, for driving reforms aimed at repositioning technical education in the country.

‎She equally acknowledged the contributions of the pioneer Rector,  Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, and other pioneer principal officers, noting that the institution was building on the solid foundation they laid.

‎Explaining the significance of the initiative, the Don  said the National Skills Qualifications Framework provides a nationally recognised system for assessing and certifying occupational knowledge, technical competence and practical skills across various sectors of the economy.

‎She added that the framework would not only improve the quality of technical education but also reduce unemployment by equipping graduates with hands-on skills capable of stimulating entrepreneurship, wealth creation and national development.

‎”The NSQ provides the compass we desperately need as a nation seeking to equip its workforce with relevant competencies for national growth and global competitiveness,” Adepoju said.

‎Earlier, in his welcome address, the Acting Director of the Centre for Vocational, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Oluwaseun Owojori, said the workshop was organised to prepare members of staff for the effective implementation of the NSQ, NSQF and MSQ in line with NBTE guidelines.

‎He stressed that the success of the Federal Government’s skills development agenda would depend largely on the preparedness of institutions and their personnel to deliver quality competency-based education. Owojori thanked the Acting Rector, management, principal officers and participants for their support, while appreciating the resource persons for facilitating the training.

‎One of the facilitators, the Acting Director, South-West Zone of the NBTE, Dr. John Onyebuchi, urged participants to embrace skills acquisition, describing practical competence as a vital asset in today’s economy. “I encourage everyone to acquire a skill because skills are the driving force in today’s economy, not money,” he said.

‎Also speaking, Dr. Julius Ayodele of JACL Consulting encouraged both academic and non-academic staff to participate actively in entrepreneurship and vocational development programmes.

He said continuous skills acquisition would improve professional competence, enhance productivity and open up wider career opportunities, expressing optimism that the workshop would promote innovation and practical learning across the Polytechnic.

The workshop attracted principal officers of the institution, including the Registrar, Mr. Akinlolu Akinpade, represented by the Director of SERVICOM and Deputy Registrar (Council Affairs and Establishment), Mr. Kolapo Olatinwo; the Bursar, Mr. Mufutau Alao, represented by Deputy Bursar, Mr. Lukman Buhari; and the Acting Polytechnic Librarian, Mr. Dare Samuel Adeleke, represented by Dr.  Halimat Amuda, Coordinator of Women in Technical Education and Development.

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