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We will stand with Makinde all the way – NANS leaders
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its support for the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, stating that his policy of education “is top-notch and highly commendable.”
President of the student’s body, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, who led a NANS delegation to visit the Governor on Saturday, said that students across the country were in support of Governor Makinde because of his bias for free and qualitative education.
The students, who promised to stand by the Governor all the way stated that some of his efforts on education, health, and infrastructure in the last six months have shown that he had a clear vision for the State.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the President of NANS, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan as saying these on Boxing Day, while leading the NANS delegation to commiserate with the Governor on the demise of a Students’ leader, Comrade Yemi Adeniran (aka Likedat) who died in a fatal accident last week.
NANS President and his colleagues including a former president of NANS, Comrade Sheriff Zadok; national financial secretary, Ikechukwu Okorie; former NANS Zone B Coordinator; Olanrewaju Segun, among others led the NANS delegation to Ibadan to participate in the final burial rites of their colleague, Yemi Adeniran (Likedat) who was a member of the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Wing.
Akpan commended Makinde’s performance in the areas of education, especially with regards to the free qualitative education policy, the award of N500,000 to Oyo State students in the Nigerian Law School and the massive improvement of education infrastructure through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The delegation also commended Makinde for giving youths a pride of place in his administration as evidenced in the appointment of youths as commissioners and special assistants, noting that with policies that give attention to education and youth empowerment in the real sense, the Governor has become the one everyone across the country was looking at and a global pride.
While speaking, Akpan described the late Yemi Likedat as a true patriot and NANS leader of no mean repute, even as he commended the Governor for not only visiting the family of the deceased student unionist to commiserate and reassure them but also promising that the State Government would be of help to them in this period of sorrow.
“Your Excellency, we are here today and we join others to wish you a happy birthday. The main reason why we came is to appreciate you for visiting the family of Yemi Likedat. That particular act is what we, the entire Nigerian students appreciate. The entire world also appreciates this without looking at the fact that he lived in a remote area or not being one of your appointees. So, we salute you.
“Having said that, we have been seeing your performance, especially in the area of education, infrastructural turnaround, the bursary allowance you gave to Law students, the UBE improvement with the construction of blocks of classrooms. I am sure you know that primary and secondary schools are also part of our constituency and that is why our population is so much. We quite appreciate what you are doing in this sector since your assumption of office.”
In his response, Governor Makinde, who had earlier visited the family of the late Adeniran to commiserate with his family, said it was unfortunate to lose Adeniran at a time like this but that God would always remain unquestionable.
The Governor maintained that whatever he has achieved in the State was due to the mentality that the mandate was just another job that must be done effectively and with commitment bearing in mind that there would be more Oyo State Governors after his tenure.
“It’s like the job of a Managing Director/CEO, you do your bit and others come in. so why would someone behave as if there won’t be another Governor tomorrow?”
He promised to further look for avenues to engage the students’ leaders on the discussion on Nigeria and how the country can move on a path that is consistent with international standards.
Governor Makinde said: “I want to say again that it is quite unfortunate that we lost a comrade and a colleague, Yemi Likedat, but who are we to question God? Whatever God does is always the best, but we may not know. The government will be fully represented at his burial and we will try our best to support the internment.
“I appreciate your stopping by this morning and wish you and other comrades pleasant stay in Ibadan. While you are going around for the burial preparation, when you see things, say it and give us feedback. We can look at it. If it is something we have not started planning, we will take it. And if it is something we are already planning, we will let you know.”
“I am sure that we will still have time to meet further to discuss Nigeria and how the country can move on a path that is consistent with international standards. I am sure we will do that.
“For us in Oyo State, this is just another job. We will do our part and leave it. Before now, there have been past governors, so, why behave as though you will never leave the position. When you leave, life will still continue.”
Similarly, a former NANS president, Zadok, described Yemi Likedat as a powerful Nigerian student in his lifetime, noting that he was an embodiment of patriotism who was always fighting for Oyo State’s interests in students’ circles.
Zadok, who also commended Governor Makinde’s policies on education and appointment of youths into his government, said: “Your Excellency, you did something that you considered ordinary but it gave hope to the country. Youths are constantly used during elections and I don’t know what it is that made you choose a young person. I don’t know what came to your mind to invest so much in lawyers because they are not giving you immediate returns. I am wondering also why you are taking education very seriously.
“I want to say that this is the time NANS is going to stick with you. With that visit to Yemi’s house, you have earned yourself the same honour you had when you appointed a young commissioner. From today, I would say, with our organization, that you are not alone in this country, because we know you will stand up for the youths in this country. You have defied party politics and your standard has kept going higher. So, you don’t need only lead Oyo State people anymore. You are currently the rostrum we have been looking for.
“For me, again, I say we won’t leave you. It is a global pride that we have you and these values that your parents have put in you won’t leave you.”
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District have endorsed a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alice Hall, Ibadan, with party leaders, stakeholders, local government chairmen and state executive members from the nine local government areas in attendance.
The councils represented at the meeting are Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.
The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with Oseni’s aspiration, describing it as timely, credible and anchored on tested leadership and grassroots appeal.
Those present at the meeting included Chief Timothy Jolaoso (Ibarapa East); Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Ido); Chief Abdulrauf Bello (Ido); Alhaji Muili Oluokun (Ibadan North-West); Alhaji Mufutau Adisa (Ibadan South-East); Alhaji Bello Oladeji (Ibadan North); Prince Gbade Lana (Ibadan North-East); Engr. Olatunji (Ibadan South-West); Comrade Wale Gbadamosi (Ibarapa North); and Alhaja Moji Adetona (Ibarapa Central).
Other party officials in attendance were the senatorial chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Adebayo; the secretary, Fatai Adesina; Welfare Officer, Sunday Babalola; Deputy Women Leader, Alhaja Fatimah Hassan; Auditor, Alhaja Tinu Adigun; Youth Leader, Lekan Adebayo; Ex-Officio member, Kola Amoo; Treasurer, Lateef Ajiboye; and Senatorial Youth Leader, Olalekan Olowe.
A chieftain of the party in Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Shina Alabi, moved the motion for the lawmaker’s endorsement, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.
Alabi said Oseni’s decision to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to step down his governorship ambition for the senatorial race underscored his loyalty and commitment to party unity.
He said, “Hon. Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of the people. His leadership style is inclusive, responsive and development-driven. We are convinced that his emergence as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District will strengthen the party’s chances and guarantee effective representation.”
He also urged party members to remain united and rally behind credible aspirants with proven capacity and electoral value.
In his remarks, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said his decision to pursue the senatorial seat followed the presidential directives, noting that he accepted the decision in the interest of party cohesion, progress and stability. He recalled that he had earlier prepared for the Oyo South senatorial race in the 2023 general elections, having already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms as part of an arrangement reached, before stepping down following appeals by party leaders.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the party must close ranks to reclaim political dominance in the senatorial district.
According to him, “There is a huge task ahead, especially with several House of Representatives seats in the district currently held by the opposition. We must work together, mobilise effectively and secure victory for our party and leader, President Bola Tinubu”.
Oseni thanked party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to advancing the interests of Oyo South Senatorial District.
The meeting also had representatives from all nine local government areas, with about 10 leaders from each council in attendance.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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