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We will remain bullish in our approach to developing Oyo – Makinde

Published

6 years ago

November 23, 2020

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented the 2021 Appropriation Bill to members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, declaring that his government will remain bullish in its determination to develop the state.

Governor Makinde, who stated that though the government was able to grow the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) geometrically in the last one year, recording a 26.4 percent year-on-year increase in IGR, it will not rest on its oars in its drive to take the state off its total dependence on federal allocation.

The governor added that his administration plans to increase the state’s IGR to N102,824,207,213.46 in the year 2021 up from the current N25.6 billion.

According to him, the state hopes to achieve that feat by widening the tax net, bringing more tax payers into the system without necessarily increasing taxes on the people.

A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, indicated that the governor stated these at the House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, where he presented the 2021 Budget Proposal to members of the Assembly.

The governor appreciated the members of the House of Assembly for their cooperation over the past months, saying the successes recorded so far were due to their continuous support of the government’s fiscal policies, which have led to an impactful implementation of the Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State 2019-2023.

The governor added that his administration was able to make significant progress in the actualisation of its plans for the state in the last one year, saying: “We have been able to lower our infrastructural deficit, make improvements in healthcare delivery, improve the quality of education and achieve milestones in our security systems.

“We remained bullish in our approach to developing Oyo State. Let me share one of our biggest wins in the last year. You will recall that in my 2020 budget presentation, I had stated that from January 2020, we will be recording a monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of three billion Naira. I am happy to report to you that despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, we were just less than two hundred million Naira shy of our target monthly. As at September 2020, we had recorded an IGR of 25.6billion Naira. And using the half-year figures, that represented a 26.4 percent increase in IGR year on year.

“Permit me to share some of our other wins from the 2020 fiscal year. You may recall, Mr. Speaker Sir, that one of the issues I highlighted that has been facing our state’s budget is underperformance. By the end of quarter one, (Q1), 2019 budget performance was 38 percent. We were determined to increase this and had set a mark of 70 percent performance. Honourable Members of the House, although we have not yet met up with our target, our budget performance as at now is above average at 50.32 percent. We accomplished this despite the economic shock induced by the pandemic.

“Let me quickly state that our use of the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA), the Contractor’s Project Financing Scheme, as well as targeted loans, have gone a long way to helping us to improve our budget performance.

“This year, we are again pegging our budget performance goal at 70 percent. Since we have been able to increase by 12 per cent points in performance over 2019 thus far, despite the economic challenges we faced, an additional 20 percent points increase should be attainable.”

Governor Makinde explained that the recurrent expenditure in the 2021 Budget Proposal stands at N136,262,990,009.41, while the capital expenditure is N130,381,283,295.63, saying that the larger share of N56.3 Billion or 21 per cent has been earmarked to the education sector, because his administration considers education as the only way out of poverty.

He added that the agriculture sector will receive an allocation of N9.5 billion, which is about 3.6 percent of the Budget proposal, stating that his administration’s plan to grow the state’s economy through agribusiness remains well on course.

The governor highlighted how the administration, in the last one year, began a massive turnaround of the agriculture sector, with partnership agreement with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on the Start Them Early Programme in agribusiness and the ongoing upgrade of the former OYSADEP Headquarters, Saki, now rechristened the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), among others, to drive the focus on agriculture.

The governor also said that the sum of N13.2 Billion was earmarked to the health sector, adding that the administration recorded tremendous achievements in the sector by turning the COVID-19 pandemic to an opportunity for aggressive turnaround of health facilities.

According to the governor, the government would go ahead with the revolution in the health sector with its plan to upgrade one Primary Health Care Centre across the 351 electoral Wards of the state, among other key efforts that will ensure the consummation of the works already started in reforming the health sector.

He said: “Mr. Speaker Sir, Distinguished Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, please permit me, at this point, to present to you the Oyo State 2021 Budget Proposal. The total budgeted sum is Two Hundred and Sixty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Five Naira, Four kobo (₦266,644,273,305.04). This sum represents a 53.16 percent increase over the 2020 revised budget. Let me emphasise that the tenets of the Federation’s Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) and other development aspirations were used as a guide in the preparation of the 2021 Budget.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, I must also mention that we have been able to resolve some of the issues around moribund industries in Oyo State. As you are aware, these have been a source of worry to members of this assembly and indeed the entire people of Oyo State. We have been able to put back in business state enterprises that have been laying waste for decades.

Among these moribund industries are the Pacesetter Quarry and Asphalt Plant, Ijaiye; the Pacesetter Fruit Processing Plant in Oko; and the Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan.

“It will also please you to know that we have commenced the preparation of the Twenty-Year Oyo State Development Plan (2021-2040). Oyo State has never had such an overarching blueprint. The plan, when completed, will facilitate a speedy socio-economic development with the Medium-Term Sector Strategy and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

“It has, once again, been my honour to present this budget proposal to you, Mr. Speaker Sir and Distinguished Honourable Members of the House. It is my prayer that you give our proposal the usual consideration in a timely manner so that implementation may commence; and Oyo State will continue on the path to accelerated development.”

In his speech, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin described the 2021 Budget as pragmatic and realistic, commending the governor for ensuring the timely presentation of Appropriation and Finance Bills to the House.

This was as members of the House of Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Mohammed Abiodun Fadeyi; Majority and Minority Leaders, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin and Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, respectively, as well as Hon. Wumi Oladeji severally commended the governor for different reasons bothering on good performance.

While speaking, the Speaker equally lauded the governor for the steps being taken to rebuild the state and place it on the pedestal of socio-economic growth and development, saying: “It is commendable that in the recent history of governance in Oyo State, the present administration, ably led by our diligent and highly energetic Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has ensured that Appropriation and Finance Bills are timely presented before the House.

“This is particularly praiseworthy as it enhances the proper and meticulous monitoring and evaluation of Budget performance and prevents wasteful spending and improper execution of Government programs and projects.

“Let me assure that, as a House, we are always ready to perform our constitutional duty of law-making in particular and to also ensure that the Executive arm of Government encounters no legal impediment in the performance of its functions for the overall welfare and wellbeing of the State and its residents.”

Related Topics:2021 Budget Oyo State Seyi Makinde

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Oriire Rescue: SWEGOP Seeks Stronger Security in Border Communities

Published

4 days ago

July 13, 2026

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The South West Guild of Online Publishers has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in border communities following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The guild said the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending months in captivity, should mark a turning point in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the security agencies for what it described as their commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

The guild described the operation as proof that strong political will, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.

It also praised the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the military and other security personnel involved in the operation, noting that their sacrifices had restored hope to the rescued victims, their families and residents of Oyo State.

While celebrating the successful rescue, SWEGOP sympathised with the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the ordeal, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

The publishers observed that recent abductions across parts of the country revealed a disturbing pattern of attacks on border communities, where inadequate security presence, poor road networks, weak telecommunications infrastructure and easy escape routes into neighbouring countries have continued to expose residents to criminal activities.

It, therefore, called on governments at all levels to sustain the level of cooperation demonstrated during the rescue operation by strengthening collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to improve the safety of residents.

The guild further urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deepen investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid response mechanisms and community policing to guarantee the safety of schools and ensure that children can learn without fear.

SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and the country.

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Army reveals how month-long operation freed 44 abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

Published

7 days ago

July 11, 2026

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The Nigerian Army on Friday revealed how a month-long intelligence-driven joint security operation led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the victims were rescued unharmed without collateral damage.

According to him, the operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Maj. Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army Special Forces, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.

Jonah said intelligence gathered during the operation enabled security operatives to identify the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, dismantle their criminal network, disrupt their logistics chain, expose informants and locate their hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forests.

He added that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that significantly weakened the criminal syndicate and intensified pressure on the kidnappers.

According to the army spokesman, the sustained pressure eventually forced the terrorists to release the abducted pupils and teachers unconditionally.

“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

The Army, however, disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.

It added that the rescued pupils and teachers were receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

Nnebeife, on behalf of the participating security agencies, commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction, resources and support that contributed to the successful operation.

He also appreciated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and residents of the state for their cooperation throughout the rescue mission.

The GOC further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and the NIA, as well as heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination.

He equally thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture.

Nnebeife urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts at tackling kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.

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Tinubu hails rescue of Oyo pupils, teachers after 56-day ordeal, eight kidnappers held

Published

7 days ago

July 11, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday hailed the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, after 56 days in captivity, commending the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for the operation.

The President said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue mission, while several others were neutralised, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity and a source of relief to the victims, their families and the country.

Tinubu’s commendation was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He expressed sympathy for the pupils, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the nearly two-month ordeal, assuring them that his administration would ensure those responsible for the crime faced justice.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.

He added, “This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”

Tinubu vowed that his administration would prosecute those behind the abduction, including those responsible for the killing of one of the teachers, Mr Oyedokun.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.

The President also commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation.

“I must commend the Government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he added.

Tinubu further directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with immediate medical attention, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to aid their recovery.

He also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools to forestall similar incidents in the future.